Flash Point

High Sierras #1

by Diane Benefiel

For Emmaline Kincaid, Police Chief Bradley Gallagher makes hating cops…problematic.

Reconsidering Her Options

Stalwart, honest, a stand-up guy – high praise, right? Wears his jeans just right, single, a catch – pretty much everyone in Hangman’s Loss, a quirky little town in the Eastern Sierras, adores the hell out of Police Chief Bradley Gallagher. Yet, new resident Emma Kincaid is determined to keep him at arm's length, and with good reason. But vandalism, arson, and a violent attack have her rethinking her stance. Has someone from her past caught up with her, or is the escalating threat coming from within her newfound community? Sparks fly as Brad races against time to keep her safe, and passions combust when they join forces to combat the danger.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Fiction, Westerns

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 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

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town feel, big time emotion…

When an inheritance brought Emma back to a place that felt like home, she didn’t know what to make of the unexpected challenges she faced and the local police chief who was determined she didn’t face them alone. Brad was a salt-of-the-earth, small town police chief with a big heart and an attitude that wore Emma down in the best of ways. He had a mission, her, and there was no veering away from it. Emma was just going to have to get used to him worrying about her. Being there for her. Loving her...

“Last night you were just being nice. You haven’t been hitting on me.”
“Pay attention.”

It was easy to see that Emma didn’t know what to do with him. Who was this man who cared about her so deeply? So quickly? It couldn’t be insta-love, impossible! It couldn’t be love, period. With both not giving an inch, the back and forth didn’t waver – each argument, each revelation, getting them closer. Closer to finding peace together or apart was the big question…

These two fought their battles with a backdrop of ghosts of the past and danger anew – either one poised to take all away anything they might have together…

This new to me author ticked all the boxes with intriguing characters and soapy drama with heart. I’m looking forward to heading back to the High Sierras! ~Diane, 4.5 stars

[Jennifer Oloughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Flash Point. It was sweet at points and spicy at others. Brad and Emma’s story is one I will be reading over and over again.

* I read an arc

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY IMPRESSIVE FIRST READ

This author created such fantastic characters, each with very distinctive characteristics and strengths. Each person brought their own unique contribution to the overall adventure and to make this story a captivating read. The main female in this particular story comes to town when she inherits her uncle's business. She has a dark and insecure history but is looking to settle down and start a new life. An attraction develops between herself and the sheriff. She suffers from many insecurities but he has enough patience to make her his. This story is so intense, once you start you won't be able to put the book down.

[maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

It's been a while since I've read a CR book where the author created a vivid setting. Hangman's Loss is breathtaking and beautiful but also a bit creepy, a perfect place for this "silent" romantic suspense. There are no nonstop running MCs or bombs going off, but the eerie quiet made me alert even more. For a minute there I thought I was reading a horror book, a genre I'm too chicken to read. 🙈


H Brad is the town's young police chief, h Emma is the new girl in town who just inherited her grandpa's properties including the coveted Hangman's Cabin and Lake Resort.
With h's personal baggage and distrust on cops, H had to put in some effort and extra patience to earn h's trust. Their relationship felt natural and realistic.

Umm.. I noticed that Maddy's (H's sis) name changed from Madison to Madeline near the end of the book. I think H was a little woozy and confused from all the pain meds. 😬


H: 5 stars
h: 4 stars
H/h as a couple: 4 stars
Side characters: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars
Execution: 4 stars


〰️

Some safety triggers⚠️

◾ Some OW drama.
◾ Assault and attempted rape (past), off page.
minor h by OP, a cop.
◾ Drug addiction and child neglect (past), off page.
h's mom.
◾ Deaths (past), off page.
› h's mom (cancer)
› h's grandpa (illness?)
◾ Attempted murder, on page.
h and H by OP.
◾ Arson, twice both on page.
h's properties.
◾ Domestic violence, off page.
Side character.

◾ Explicit (light) scenes H/h only. Their relationship is more on emotional connection.

〰

[M. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that I could not put down.

Brad and Emma’s story was woven with a masterful combination of suspense and romance.

All the characters were mapped out with great precision and I felt like I knew them as I read this book.

The storyline was rich and descriptive and from the time I began reading, I could not put it down.

Truthfully, I usually read romances with a lot of very strong sexual content but while reading this book, the storyline was so good and consistently kept me engrossed from beginning to end, that I would not change a thing.

This author has a new fan and I am immediately going to begin her next book. Great book! Great ride!

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flash Point is the first book in the High Sierras series and is a good start to the series.

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense story. The characters of Brad and Emma are well depicted and realistic. The story is well written and flows nicely from beginning to end.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Carole Jarosz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep them guessing

Love, couple and family great combination. Throw in a few crooks made great reading. The heroine keeps you on your toes.

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read! Romance and suspense with laugh out load moments. Learning to trust again can be very hard. When life takes you in a different direction you have to learn to trust your instincts and the people who want to help you. A nice read that you will not want to put down.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable characters and suspense

This is the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed the writing, the flow of the story, the characters, and the suspense. I will read more by this author. An entertaining book with a happy ending.

[Marie Vayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, the Amazon write up caught my attention and with it being only .99 I snagged it. WOW! loved it. great characters, interesting story with enough going on that kept you interested but not too much to lose the focus of the main story. I bought book 2 and I gave it a 5 star as well, I can't wait to snag book 3 & 5, but what happened to book 4?

[Sharon Exler · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite author

First time reading this author but defiantly won't be the last. Was hard putting this book down before it finished. Good mystery, good love 💘, riveting read.

[Jane Wildfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

It has been a long time since I have been captured in a book that I just couldn't put down. Diane Benefiel is a great writer that will hold your interest until the end.

[Ria Restrepo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Flash Point, Diane Benefiel has written another gripping romantic suspense novel that is impossible to put down.

After inheriting her beloved grandfather's cabin resort in the High Sierras, Emma Kincaid is looking for a fresh start. She has always loved the rustic, lakeside haven filled with fond memories. But getting the business running again is far more challenging than she ever anticipated. From arson to vandalism, Emma faces down one obstacle after another—all while trying to avoid the town's handsome and attentive police chief.

Brad Gallagher has been drawn to Emma since the first time he saw her in a picture on her grandfather's desk. He knows much more about her than she realizes, but longs to get better acquainted after meeting her in person. Unfortunately, she has an obvious aversion to police officers—the source of which he's determined to uncover. The threats against her and her business only increase his desire to stay close to her. Can he keep her safe and capture her heart?

Emma has every reason to despise policemen, but her attraction to Brad is undeniable. Even so, she's a strong, independent woman resolved to keep her distant from the swoon-worthy police chief. However, Brad is as stubborn as he is honorable, breaking down her resistance one steamy encounter after another. The powder keg threatening Emma increases the stakes to nail-biting levels. Danger may force them together, but the cause might ultimately keep them apart.

Diane Benefiel masterfully writes compelling characters in pulse-pounding situations. The chemistry between her heroes and heroines is irresistible and incendiary. She creates intense situations for her characters to overcome that keep readers up late into to the night to see happens next.

Flash Point is the first in a series featuring the quaint town of Hangman's Loss. While Emma and Brad are the main focus of Flash Point, a couple potential romances are brewing amongst the secondary characters. Personally, I can't wait to see what happens next. Flash Point is a standalone without a cliffhanger ending, but I hope we get glimpses of Emma and Brad again in future High Sierras novels.

[Jacqui Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Diane Benefiel has written a story that captured me from page 1. Her ability to tell a story that makes you want to keep reading is incredible. This time her story focuses on Emmaline Kincaid or Emma. She has just inherited her grandfather’s fishing resort. She has no idea what to do but vows to make it work. With a little elbow grease and the help of new friends, she starts rebuilding what her grandfather started and a place she has fond memories of. Unfortunately, someone in the small town of Hangman’s Loss has other ideas and is desperate to run her out of town.
But as every great story it needs a hot sheriff who can help keep her safe, and maybe fall in love with her. Everyone knows Chief Bradley Gallagher in Hangman’s Loss. He is a standup guy who will do just about anything for you. But when he meets Emma, his focus turns to one thing, keeping her safe and finding out who is trying to destroy her. Up for the challenge Chief Gallagher sticks close to Emma and will protect her at any cost. What he didn’t expect was to find the one person that completes him and makes solving this case even more important.

Diane Benefiel you blow me away every time I read one of your books. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Hangman’s Loss. Thank you for bringing us Emma and Brad’s story.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read any books by Ms. Benefiel, but as soon as I read the summary and sample of this book I knew that I had to read it. This is the type of story that keeps you turning the pages as well as moving you through every emotion possible. Emmaline Kincaid has inherited her grandfather’s cabins in the town of Hangman’s Loss in the Sierras. She was not able to be with him when he passed, but remembers the many summers she spent with him. As soon as she arrives, the police chief, Bradley Gallagher, arrives to check who is at the cabin. He is the type of police chief that every town would like to have, but Emma does not like police and makes sure that he knows it. There is an on and off-again tension and attraction between them as Bradley tries to get to know Emma and she tries to avoid him. After vandalism and other attempts to scare Emma and get her to sell her land and cabins for development occurs, Bradley is there to protect her. Emma questions if the attempts made towards her are only by those interested in her land, or is it something from her past. There is love, humor, family, mystery, and suspense – everything a great book should have. At the end of the book, a sequel is mentioned and I sure hope that is the case. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Coffee Chat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flash Point really surprised me. It's not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed reading it. It's a fun easy read that captured me from the start. Emma Kincaid receives an inheritance from her grandfather that brings her to the small town of Hangman's Loss. There she finds mystery, drama, suspense, friends and romance. Brad Gallagher is the police chief of the small town and finds Emma interesting from thier first meeting. The chemistry and romance between Emma and Brad developes slowly as things keep happening to bringing them together. There are interesting supporting characters and twist and turns that keep you turning pages. I hope to read more stories about the residents of this small town from this author.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a surprise read for me. I knew it would be interesting but it also turned out to be very captivating and good. The characters-Bradley and Emma were very warm and able to spin their tale very well. She meets him in a funny way with it then going on with me in her corner. You soon learn that this is more than meets the eye with danger also growing to rear its ugly head. Other characters will come along to give this a full body to it. Romance will bloom with it telling its own story on why it needs to be well tended by him. The explosive part near the end will have you wanting to throw a punch or two. Winds down with putting a smile on your face.

[Libby Waterford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Brad are an irresistible couple. They each have their demons, but they are so much stronger together than apart. I loved visiting the High Sierras with this wonderful, readable romantic suspense. Love this author!

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you won't want to put down. It is full of suspense, action, and romance. Brad and Emma have great chemistry, and they are very believable characters. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

[D Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town romance

My Rating System
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful

Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no, but Logan's and Maddy's story has been starting (continuing?) throughout the story

"The creak of the leather cop belt, the hiss of his radio, even the scuff of his boots on gravel…." Isn't that fantastic writing?! This author sets scenes and creates tension so well. She creates a real place, too, with the pine trees, the fishers on the shore, the rain on dirt, the wind across the lake, even the various nesting birds.

The main character is done well. Emma's had a rough upbringing, and while I'll never truly understand it, I've certainly glimpsed it and understand her better. Her logic can tell her not all cops are bad, but it can't to silence the body's need to protect itself. The author portrays this split thinking well. We get some about Brad, but not much, maybe because he's not broken.

The plot moves well, and has surprises. Emma inherited a business and home from her grandfather, and she's starting new. She makes friends, becomes part of the community. Developers want her land. She's working to get the cabins and boats ready to rent in the summer.

Overall, this is a realistic story in a beautiful place.

FAVORITE QUOTE(S)
She was a planner, because planning meant having control. Until it didn’t.

"That's what you came from, not what you are."
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (spoilers)
Sex: 1 scene
Language: 1 F word, 20 Lord's name in vain, 5 S words
Violence: arson, report of kidnapping and attempted rape, reports of domestic abuse, breaking and entering with malicious damage, gun threats, report of drug use and drug trafficking, report of human trafficking

CRITIQUE (spoilers)
Her feet should've been damaged, too, after the fight.

She's very concerned about money about the beginning, splurging on a hot breakfast her first morning. She does mental math about feeding Dory and Adrian. Then nothing. She goes for girls's night out without worry, drives to Vacaville without worrying about gas and lodging money, etc. Even at the end, she insists on a proper wedding without thinking of the cost.

[Nancy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

FLASH POINT by Diane Benefiel (High Sierras Book 1) is a suspenseful romance that can be read as a standalone. The story takes place in Hangman's Loss, a small town in the Eastern Sierras.

Emmaline Kincaid had inherited her grandpa's vacation rental cabins. Where he'd rent out cabins, and people could also rent fishing boats and canoes. It was so dark when she had arrived at the main cabin. That is where her grandpa had lived & had used it as a rental office too. She had asked the electric company to have the power turned on before she arrived, but it wasn't. With only a flashlight she was trying to see to turn the key in the lock. She was looking over the neglected place that she'd wanted to call home. A car arrived out front, and a man yelled police. He ordered a scared Emma to walk outside with her hands above her head. She tried to explain that the place belonged to her now. Her grandpa had left it to her. The Police Chief Bradley Gallagher was an honest and stand-up guy. Everyone in Hangman's Loss just adored him, but Emma was scared of anyone who was a policeman, and it was with good reason. Poor Emma had an awful childhood and didn't trust anyone. It's a long time for Emma to finely realize that Brad would do almost anything to keep her safe. Emma and Brad have a very slow-burn romance. The entire town and his own family & friends couldn't understand why Emma didn't see what a great catch that Brad would be. It was annoying how foolish she was being, almost to the very end of the story. I was glad when it does finally end well.

[Sarah Reads "Reading in Sarah's Corner" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diane Benefiel takes us on a story filled with mystery, suspense, and action as we try to solve what is going on in the small town of Hangman's Loss.

His entire life Chief Bradley Gallagher has always taken care of everyone. He is the go-to man when it comes to anything going on in his town. He runs a tight ship but always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt.

When the beautiful Emmaline Kincaid shows up he quickly realizes that she is the one he has been waiting for. Not only has fallen for the towns newest resident Ms. Emmaline "Emma" Kincaid but has stumbled upon a slew of new cases since she has arrived, and he must solve them to protect the girl he has fallen for.

Her entire life Emma Kincaid has relied on only one person. Herself. So when her grandfather passed away and left her his resort, she knew just what she wanted to do. Move to Hangman's Loss and just blend into the town. Become a local.

The only issue is that ever since she moved into her grandfather's resort someone has not wanted her there and she has been attached, the place has been vandalized, and someone set fire to it.

This is a fun story to keep you flipping the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and trust in your gutt. Emma, new transplant to Hangman's Loss after inheriting property and plans on distancing herself from the Law. Police Chief Bradley Gallagher makes that difficult. There is nothing not to like about him. Emma had bad experience when she was younger, so LE is not high on her list of people to trust or turn to in times of need. Their first meeting is awkward, assumptions are made and allowed to rest. Emma doesn't really want the Sheriff in her life until there are unexplained incidents at the resort. Brad steps up and shows he is a good guy. The supporting characters add the right touch to the story. The foundation laid for the series is sound, intriguing and captures your interest. Emma and Brad are great folk that make you want to know them and wish them well. I enjoyed watching their adventure unfold. Can Brad keep Emma safe? Do they find out whose sabotaging the resort? Can Emma put down her baggage? Well done! I receivd an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book a new author for me and I quite happily read the entire series one after another While the suspense wasn't that deep the characters where the making of the story This is a book where you really get to love the main characters and where waiting for the stories of the secondary characters

Emmaline has returned to the cabins that her grandfather owned and he has willed to her She isn't used to small town life and the fact they they are judging her for not returning earlier when her grandfather needed her What they don't know is that her mother was also dying at the same time and she thought she had more time for her grandfather. As the town learns the truth she is brought into the community and the one person always there seems to be Police Chief Bradley Gallagher she is attracted to him but he is a cop and everyone knows that they are not to be trusted Can Brad help Emma get over her fear of cops and when danger lurks will he be able to keep her safe.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story line with some inconsistencies in the beginning that threw me off, and it took a while to get back into the book. She contacted then power company and she hoped they said they did what they said they would do and turned on the power but didn’t then the following Monday she is at the city hall and filling in paperwork and signing a check. Brad was less than honorable when he met Emma, he knew who she was and still treated her like she was trespassing and frisked her and then he wonders why she doesn’t like cops. Emma’s dislike for cops is heart breaking and as she says not really rational as a good cop saved her. The suspense surrounding the breaking, arson for Emma’s property is thrilling and I was hooked till the end. Great characters, I enjoyed the book.

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

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is getting her inheritance from her grandfather, a man she loved so dearly and with whom she passed happy times.
Brad is the Police Chief in Hangman’s Loss. He is a caring, honest and loyal person and took all the people living there under his care.
I absolutely loved this book. The amount of mystery, suspense, and romance make the story one of the best I’ve read in a long time. The writing flows smoothly making me want to go on reading at all times until I finish the book. The characters are wonderful, the chemistry between them sparkling -and not only the main characters but some of the secondary ones also have sizzling chemistry going on between them. I hope we see them in the next books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Ms. Benefiel's High Sierras series. I had read one of the later books first and loved it so much I've gone back and started reading from the beginning. This is such a wonderful series. The book is sweet with some spicy moments sprinkled in. The storyline was intense and captured my interest right from the start. This is one of those books that you will keep reading well into the night because you won't want to put it down. I loved reading about Brad and Emma and getting to know them. They were such strong and unique characters and with relatable and realistic qualities. Ms. Benefiel really made the story come alive with her vivid descriptions and attention to detail. I really enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more of her books!

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

[Diana Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed Diana's book, Flash Point. It had about everything you would want in a book. Every page kept me interested. I hated to put it down for any length of time. Only one thing bugged me. Brad, the sheriff had feelings for her immediately. Not pushing Emma, but wanting to see where there friendship would go. She continued to rebuff him, every time he would get too close. It just got old. It would have served her right, if she saw him on a date, with another woman! He was a really good guy and a Hottie to boot! He certainly wouldn't be hurting for company. I would recommend this book. It will be my last book of Diane's to read. I read at least two books a day. Even one book a day, would cost me too much money. I really, really appreciate those authors who have their books in Kindle Unlimited. Thank you so much!

[Karyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable book with fairly predictable plot line.

Emmaline moves back to her grandfathers cabin retreat after he passes away. Chief of police Brad mistakes her for a trespasser. We discover that Emma has a dislike for law enforcement and that becomes awkward when it becomes clear Brad has taken a liking to her. As is the way with a small town community everyone knew her grandfather and are curious about her. When a series of break ins and Vandalism’s on her property they have to figure out who it is before someone gets seriously hurt.

While I enjoyed the book. There were a few too many plot lines going on for me. I counted five and it’s not like they tied in at any point.
This for me felt like the most important plot didn’t get as much attention as they deserved and that detracted a little from the book for me. Not enough depth.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Flash Point”, first in the 'High Sierras' series, is a nice read but lacks tension.
If you want a very linear romance with a little action you won't be disappointed, but don't expect your blood to race.
Emmaline Kincaid, is the newest resident of Hangman's Loss after she inherited her grandfathers' holiday lodges.
The very first person she meets is the local police chief Bradley Gallagher. He's all bossy and handsome but Emmaline doesn't like cops to start with, hasn't dated much, and definitely isn't interested.
Or, in other words, it is only a matter of time before they're at it like bunnies.
Rather than let them bicker their way to a conclusion the author throws in vandalism, arson and attempted murder as someone tries to get her to sell.
I've read better and I've read much worse but this just left me flat.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.