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High Sierras #7
Break Away
TRUE BLUE
When Zoey Hardesty's high school crush moves next door, it seems the intervening years are unimportant to her heart. One look at all grown up Levi Gallagher, and she knows she's in trouble. Fighting the attraction is self-protection, learning he was a big city cop who returned home to join the Hangman's Loss PD, puts the brakes on for good. When Levi is assigned to investigate a hit and run that could've killed her, they wind up spending time together in ways that are far more than neighborly. He becomes embroiled in the case as weirder and scarier things start happening to Zoey. Levi's hard to resist, and even though being with him breaks all of her rules, she's almost ready to admit he's worth it when she learns his secret. But he's a better man than she's given him credit for, and with one last chance to make things right, Zoey reaches out for a love than will last a lifetime.
When Zoey Hardesty's high school crush moves next door, it seems the intervening years are unimportant to her heart. One look at all grown up Levi Gallagher, and she knows she's in trouble. Fighting the attraction is self-protection, learning he was a big city cop who returned home to join the Hangman's Loss PD, puts the brakes on for good. When Levi is assigned to investigate a hit and run that could've killed her, they wind up spending time together in ways that are far more than neighborly. He becomes embroiled in the case as weirder and scarier things start happening to Zoey. Levi's hard to resist, and even though being with him breaks all of her rules, she's almost ready to admit he's worth it when she learns his secret. But he's a better man than she's given him credit for, and with one last chance to make things right, Zoey reaches out for a love than will last a lifetime.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
103 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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 38 reviews
November 9, 2019
Great love story
Loved the book. Amazing to read. Couldn’t put it down. Mystery with hot sexy guy. Beautiful girl.
Heart warming. Awesome!
Loved the book. Amazing to read. Couldn’t put it down. Mystery with hot sexy guy. Beautiful girl.
Heart warming. Awesome!
August 6, 2020
Cute story about a woman with cop issues, a hot cop, crazy stalkers, with an HEA...
August 29, 2020
This is my first time reading this author. All in all, a very good story. I liked the mystery and loved Levi, our hero, not to mention the Slim Jim-loving puppy dog Lucy. Adorable! Loved the small town and the description of the area. There were some sexy times, wouldn't have minded a couple more because Levi was yummy!
I had to take to take off a star for really one main reason, the heroine Zoey. I wanted to love this hippie girl. The idea and description of her was awesome. Unfortunately the reality of her (in book form), was far from awesome. She was just plain unlikeable. I struggled with how she treated Levi. I understood why she felt the way she did at the beginning, because of some awful childhood issues. But 90% in and she's still running hot & cold with him when he's done nothing but try to help & protect her. It just drove me nuts. It all wrapped up rather quickly. Another chapter of two would've been great, but I did like the ending. I will probably give this author another try.
I had to take to take off a star for really one main reason, the heroine Zoey. I wanted to love this hippie girl. The idea and description of her was awesome. Unfortunately the reality of her (in book form), was far from awesome. She was just plain unlikeable. I struggled with how she treated Levi. I understood why she felt the way she did at the beginning, because of some awful childhood issues. But 90% in and she's still running hot & cold with him when he's done nothing but try to help & protect her. It just drove me nuts. It all wrapped up rather quickly. Another chapter of two would've been great, but I did like the ending. I will probably give this author another try.
March 2, 2021
As with the other books in this series, I enjoyed the story, but unlike the remainder of the series, this novel left a very significant detail unsolved! w. t. h?!
November 19, 2022
BREAK AWAY is a standalone in Diane Benefiel's High Sierras Series. This book has mystery & suspense. There is romance that is slow-burn. There is kissing and drama to keep you reading until the real romance finally begins.
Levi Gallagher has returned home after living in the big city. He is going to stay in one of his families rental cabins. He is tired and wants to go to bed. He is almost to his cabin, but blocking the road is a huge dog the size of a bear. To get the beast to move he bribes it with potato chips. It works until an attractive neighbor lady, tells him not to feed her dog junk food. They meet & talk about the dog named Lucy. A Bernese Mountain Dog, and a favorite character of mine in this story. The lady is Zoey Hardesty and she recognizes Levi as her high school crush. She was 2 years behind him in school. To say they have an instant attraction is putting it mildly, but both seem to not want a relationship at this time. Levi has just joined the local Hangman's Loss Police Department and is a Captain. His brother, Bradley, is chief of police, and hands Levi his first case. Zoey has been a victim of a hit and run car accident. They will have to work together to solve who had done this. New threats are being made against Zoey. Then they conclude the car accident must have been intentional. Levi is protective of Zoey. He wants to keep her safe and out of harms way, while still diligently working to solve the case. Levi is a true hero while Zoey seems to make his job more difficult. She finally will see Levi for the great guy he really is and have one last chance to make it right.
Levi Gallagher has returned home after living in the big city. He is going to stay in one of his families rental cabins. He is tired and wants to go to bed. He is almost to his cabin, but blocking the road is a huge dog the size of a bear. To get the beast to move he bribes it with potato chips. It works until an attractive neighbor lady, tells him not to feed her dog junk food. They meet & talk about the dog named Lucy. A Bernese Mountain Dog, and a favorite character of mine in this story. The lady is Zoey Hardesty and she recognizes Levi as her high school crush. She was 2 years behind him in school. To say they have an instant attraction is putting it mildly, but both seem to not want a relationship at this time. Levi has just joined the local Hangman's Loss Police Department and is a Captain. His brother, Bradley, is chief of police, and hands Levi his first case. Zoey has been a victim of a hit and run car accident. They will have to work together to solve who had done this. New threats are being made against Zoey. Then they conclude the car accident must have been intentional. Levi is protective of Zoey. He wants to keep her safe and out of harms way, while still diligently working to solve the case. Levi is a true hero while Zoey seems to make his job more difficult. She finally will see Levi for the great guy he really is and have one last chance to make it right.
November 11, 2024
A perfect blend of suspense and romance in the majestic High Sierras! I enjoyed returning to Hangman's Loss and getting reacquainted with places and people in the High Sierras series. In Break Away, Levi Gallagher quits his job with the Oakland PD and is hired as a detective in Hangman's Loss, where his brother is police chief. Levi's first assignment? To locate the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle that struck Zoey Hardesty, a wildlife biologist who also happens to be Levi's lovely new neighbor.
Zoey had a crush on Levi back in high school, but she's wary of him now, because he's a cop. She's had bad experiences with cops in the past, so she resists Levi's friendly overtures as he works on her case. But when mysterious threats against her escalate, Zoey turns to Levi for protection and something more, leading to their first steamy scene at 60% in. Will Zoey allow herself to fall in love with a cop?
Could the stalker be the same person who drove the hit-and-run vehicle, or are Levi and Zoey facing two separate threats? This gripping story kept me glued to my Kindle to the very end. Kudos for immersive mountain scenery, likable small-town characters (except for the villains), and especially for Lucy--Zoey's big, lovable Bernese Mountain dog. Break Away easily earns five bright stars from me!
Zoey had a crush on Levi back in high school, but she's wary of him now, because he's a cop. She's had bad experiences with cops in the past, so she resists Levi's friendly overtures as he works on her case. But when mysterious threats against her escalate, Zoey turns to Levi for protection and something more, leading to their first steamy scene at 60% in. Will Zoey allow herself to fall in love with a cop?
Could the stalker be the same person who drove the hit-and-run vehicle, or are Levi and Zoey facing two separate threats? This gripping story kept me glued to my Kindle to the very end. Kudos for immersive mountain scenery, likable small-town characters (except for the villains), and especially for Lucy--Zoey's big, lovable Bernese Mountain dog. Break Away easily earns five bright stars from me!
July 13, 2020
Oh man did I love this book. It was well written and has a great storyline. It’s emotional and has a nice amount of suspense. I really need to go back and read the first six books in the series. Now saying that, this book definitely reads as a standalone. I haven’t read the first six books, but I never felt lost or like I am missing anything with this story. You will obviously have some small spoilers since the books are all connected.
Levi is finally moving back home to Hangman’s Loss and is renting one of the family cabins. Zoey is hi neighbor. His older brother Bradley, the Chief of Police, asks him to keep an eye on her. Less than two weeks before someone tried to run Zoey down with their car and they still haven’t found who did it. Levi and Zoey meet thanks to her gigantic dog blocking the road and sparks fly. They both fight the attraction. Levi is still dealing with issues that caused him to leave Oakland PD and Zoey has had issues with cops when she was younger. As things grow hotter between them it seems that someone doesn’t want them to be together. Can they figure it out? Can Levi and Zoey work out their issues?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Levi is finally moving back home to Hangman’s Loss and is renting one of the family cabins. Zoey is hi neighbor. His older brother Bradley, the Chief of Police, asks him to keep an eye on her. Less than two weeks before someone tried to run Zoey down with their car and they still haven’t found who did it. Levi and Zoey meet thanks to her gigantic dog blocking the road and sparks fly. They both fight the attraction. Levi is still dealing with issues that caused him to leave Oakland PD and Zoey has had issues with cops when she was younger. As things grow hotter between them it seems that someone doesn’t want them to be together. Can they figure it out? Can Levi and Zoey work out their issues?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2020
We get another great addition tot he loves of the town folks of Hangman's Loss a small town in the High Sierras where love and loyalty are the back bone of the town This is Levi Gallagher's story
He has returned to Hangman' Loss to become a member of the local police force under the control of his older brother Brad He was involved in an officer involved shooting in the city and was hung out to dry in the eyes of social media even though he was cleared He reconnects with his new neighbour when he is tasked with her hit and run case Zoey always had a crush on Levi growing up but never acted on it now she has learned he is a cop she wants nothing to do with him because she knows that cops can't be trusted But as her case becomes more and more volatile she will have to rely on him and maybe learn that some cops can indeed be trusted and are worth giving your heart to.
He has returned to Hangman' Loss to become a member of the local police force under the control of his older brother Brad He was involved in an officer involved shooting in the city and was hung out to dry in the eyes of social media even though he was cleared He reconnects with his new neighbour when he is tasked with her hit and run case Zoey always had a crush on Levi growing up but never acted on it now she has learned he is a cop she wants nothing to do with him because she knows that cops can't be trusted But as her case becomes more and more volatile she will have to rely on him and maybe learn that some cops can indeed be trusted and are worth giving your heart to.
November 23, 2019
Diane Benefiel has written another winner, with likable characters and an engaging plot. Zoey and Levi are interesting, believable and fun to root for. The plot kept me turning the pages-I ended up reading it in one sitting-and without a revealing the ending I will tell you that I was surprised. The secondary characters were well written also, and it was fun to revisit some of the earlier couples in this series. However, I must confess that my favorite character is Lucy, the junk food loving dog-she pretty much stole the story out from under everyone else's noses. This book is a seriously good read and I look forward to the next installment of the High Sierras saga.
I accepted an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review...and immediately ordered another book in the series!
I accepted an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review...and immediately ordered another book in the series!
July 18, 2020
This is the seventh book in the High Sierra series and what a wonderful book this is! The storyline is well-written and drew me in right from the start. It is a well-written book and as with all the others books, there is the element of suspense. No worries if you haven't read the first six, you can easily read this as a standalone. Levi and Zoey have a definite attraction, but they try to deny it. They both have issues from their past that they need to deal with. As they start opening up and getting closer, there is danger that they have to deal with as well. With the romance, mystery, and suspense this was quite the page-turner. A wonderful addition to the series -I definitely recommend it!
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 13, 2020
Break Away is the seventh book in The High Sierras series and is Levi and Zoey's story.
I loved this romantic suspense story. This is one of my favourites in the series. The characters are well depicted and realistic and the storyline kept me engaged from start to finish. Hangman's Loss is somewhere I would love to live, with the camaraderie throughout the small town. You have to love Lucy, the dog who devours junk food whenever possible. This story has a good amount of suspense, danger, and romance. Can Levi protect Zoey? Will she be able to trust him even though he is a cop?
I cannot wait to read more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I loved this romantic suspense story. This is one of my favourites in the series. The characters are well depicted and realistic and the storyline kept me engaged from start to finish. Hangman's Loss is somewhere I would love to live, with the camaraderie throughout the small town. You have to love Lucy, the dog who devours junk food whenever possible. This story has a good amount of suspense, danger, and romance. Can Levi protect Zoey? Will she be able to trust him even though he is a cop?
I cannot wait to read more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
July 3, 2020
This is book seven in a really brilliant series and it is Zoey and Levi's story and i have to say this story pulls at the heart strings. Zoey and Levi have such a strong connection and chemistry but will they act on it. The danger continues on Zoey's life but will Levi be able to protect her and get a happy ending or will they both loose everything. Wow another really great book by Diane who is a brilliant author and writer and i recommend her books as they are really worth reading and so addictive.
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
The best of the series so far. When Levi moves in next door, Zoey can't fight the attraction and the chemistry between them is off the charts. When he is put in charge of investigating the hit and run that nearly kills her, you can really see how much he cares for her, but also how worried he is about all of the things that start happening to her. Once I started reading this, I couldn't stop
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
Book seven in The High Sierras series a well written story that I was not putting down until I had finished reading. Levi Gallagher came back to Hangman's Loss PD after he had trouble in the city with an arrest he and his partner where making. Zoey Hardesty has had a crush on Levi since high school. This story has suspense, drama, danger, villains, attempted murder, and romance. I want to read more in this series.
July 12, 2020
This was a page turner. I just couldn’t put it down, and I didn’t feel an iota of guilt. This book is that amazing! A woman who doesn’t trust cops, but she will need the protection of her high school crush who is a cop. Will he be able to protect her? Will she be able to move past her distrust of cops to rely on him and give him a chance? You will have to read this amazing book to find out those answers.
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 13, 2020
Very enjoyable
Really likeable characters. Her secret high school crush moves in next door, but she is no longer interested in a relationship. She got over him once and does not want to do it again. But he doesn't understand why she won't date him. Story makes the small town seem very desirable and welcoming. Some one is targeting her, going so far as shooting at her. Then someone tried to kill him. Drama until the end. And of course an HEA..
Really likeable characters. Her secret high school crush moves in next door, but she is no longer interested in a relationship. She got over him once and does not want to do it again. But he doesn't understand why she won't date him. Story makes the small town seem very desirable and welcoming. Some one is targeting her, going so far as shooting at her. Then someone tried to kill him. Drama until the end. And of course an HEA..
August 3, 2020
Delightful Couple
Loved the couple Zoey and Levi. So glad to revisit so many couples from this series.. I have some very old-fashioned views on sex and love ,so I have to overlook some of the modern morality. All in all though the stories are more indicative of present times.So much fun to revisit past characters. All the men in the series where real men and the ladies not always my favorite. I did very much enjoy reading the whole series.
Loved the couple Zoey and Levi. So glad to revisit so many couples from this series.. I have some very old-fashioned views on sex and love ,so I have to overlook some of the modern morality. All in all though the stories are more indicative of present times.So much fun to revisit past characters. All the men in the series where real men and the ladies not always my favorite. I did very much enjoy reading the whole series.
November 12, 2019
Levi ' s homecoming
How I enjoy losing myself in Hangman's Loss! From the first book of this series the characters come out of the written page and bring to life the love, danger, atmosphere and stories that have depth and meaning and keep getting better. No better reading adventure than joining the Gallaghers of Hangman's Loss!
How I enjoy losing myself in Hangman's Loss! From the first book of this series the characters come out of the written page and bring to life the love, danger, atmosphere and stories that have depth and meaning and keep getting better. No better reading adventure than joining the Gallaghers of Hangman's Loss!
January 7, 2020
Romance blooming along with drama & a well loved dog, can't get better than that
With a back drop of mountain terrain, developing romance and personal issues that both main characters have to work thru, plus a crazy woman threating, keeps you wondering how how it will all pan out. Don't want to quit reading until the book is finished.
With a back drop of mountain terrain, developing romance and personal issues that both main characters have to work thru, plus a crazy woman threating, keeps you wondering how how it will all pan out. Don't want to quit reading until the book is finished.
July 9, 2020
This is the 7th book in the High Sierras series.
This is Zoey and Levi's story. Danger lurks around Zoey, can Levi protect her.
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting read.
Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Zoey and Levi's story. Danger lurks around Zoey, can Levi protect her.
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting read.
Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2020
Diana did a wonderful job of Levi and Zoey's story. Levi returns back to his hometown to join the police force after working in the city. Levi investigates a hit and run that almost hurt Zoey. They spend time together. Will their friendship grow into something stronger? Great story line and great characters. 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.
July 19, 2020
Low angst story. Levi, a cop, moves back home after a shooting. Levi moves next door to Zoey, the girl who had a crush on Levi in high school. Zoey has a thing against cops and doesn't want to give Levi a chance.
Nothing out of the ordinary plot wise. Danger comes to Zoey and Levi comes to her rescue.
Nothing out of the ordinary plot wise. Danger comes to Zoey and Levi comes to her rescue.
March 7, 2022
Excellent Series
This was an excellent series and now I find there is one more to read. Each book was different in story line and I felt included a good portion of their lives, ending at the exact moment it should. If you are looking for a great series that's sexy and keeps you in suspense, this is it.
This was an excellent series and now I find there is one more to read. Each book was different in story line and I felt included a good portion of their lives, ending at the exact moment it should. If you are looking for a great series that's sexy and keeps you in suspense, this is it.
March 27, 2022
A more mismatched pair has yet to be found, but there are no boundaries where love is concerned.
I loved the mystery of a true "who done it" book that keeps you riveted to your seat. What I didn't like was the sleep I lost because I simply couldn't put it down! This book is good for all ages; teens on up. Another winner from Diane Benefiel.
I loved the mystery of a true "who done it" book that keeps you riveted to your seat. What I didn't like was the sleep I lost because I simply couldn't put it down! This book is good for all ages; teens on up. Another winner from Diane Benefiel.
February 13, 2023
Zoe is so unlikeable I just couldn't give this any higher of a rating. She's my least favorite type of woman. A holier-than-thou, sanctimonious, environmentalist, Prius driving, stick up her butt, cop hating, bitch! LOL - She was just constantly rude and snippy toward Levi so it was hard to imagine an attraction between the two. Only good part of this story was the dog!
February 20, 2023
Good read
## Good read. Zoey and Levi had terrific chemistry and the mystery was solid. I liked the addition of baseball and the giant dog. My only complaint was Zoey. I found her hot and cold act annoying and she was a tad too judgemental for my taste, hence the one star deduction. Other than that, solid read.
## Good read. Zoey and Levi had terrific chemistry and the mystery was solid. I liked the addition of baseball and the giant dog. My only complaint was Zoey. I found her hot and cold act annoying and she was a tad too judgemental for my taste, hence the one star deduction. Other than that, solid read.
July 9, 2020
The book is a good romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
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
What a great little book. Loved this small town romance so much. It has everything you love about small towns. This is the first book by this author that I have read but I will read more.
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 20, 2020
Just the absolute best story. It had me captivated from the beginning with the hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Everything I like to read about and more. Such a great story I will read again and again. A keeper!!
August 6, 2020
This story is really well written, has characters that are created with tantalizing depth and captivating story line.
Do yourself a favor and get this one. It is worth every penny.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Do yourself a favor and get this one. It is worth every penny.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews