Cover Image: Beyond Power

Beyond Power

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and whilst it involves a new pairing, it does follow on from the previous story, so there is familiarity with the team and the environment.

I found this to be a really powerful story, with a strong engaging plot, centering around the folk who live off the grid, but also a nomadic, militia grounded life. Delilah was brought up that way but managed to escape just before she turned 16 and became the marital property of another. She is now back to save her little sister from that fate now that she too approaches that age. But her cover, and her interest, is research into one of the troupes of monkeys which live in the area. Studying for her master’s gives her good reason to be in the area and to find where her family are currently camped out.

Josh is local law enforcement, and when Delilah finds a dead body, he realises that his interest in her is not only as a suspect. But as much as she may have left her childhood life behind, her trust in law enforcement is low, and her mission to save her sister cannot be jeopardised. And so the set up for a really rich, fast-paced, exciting, and, by turns, romantic story is in place.

It is a wonderful mixture of really quite scary – really, Delilah does not have a strong self-preservation gene, or she is super confident of her senses, because I would not be walking around that wilderness alone, that is for sure – funny, and adorably romantic, in spite of the challenges that the two of them face.

Thank you, Connie Mann, for a really good read.

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This story was hard to believe at times, especially the ending. I mean the mother has been brain washed all her life and has been going along with her husband on everything, turns around and starts defying her husband and starts thinking for herself out of nowhere.
Also, Delilah is so naive and stupid about her brother and father even though she was raised in that family for 16 years before she left. It was as if she did not know or think about how they would react. Just because she had a gun and a little bit of money, she thought she could bribe or threaten them to get her sister away from these very dangerous men with no problem. REALLY!!! By the end I couldn't stand Delilah.

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This book kept me interested from beginning to end, having grown up in Florida and studied some militias, so I was intrigued from the start. The actual plot and writing were average, but overall enjoyable.

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This is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed the premise and the fact that I didn't know anything about this monkey population in Florida--this was something new.

I'm not sure I felt like the character was true to her profession, or believable though. She FED THE MONKEY! And as difficult as I think it would be, as a researcher and observer, to watch an animal suffer, this is how it needs to be. Particularly since that very act is what was causing problems (for both tourists and monkeys).

The story itself was entertaining. There was just the right amount of trouble and suspense to keep me reading. The author incorporated several interesting plot twists that kept my pages turning.

As for the relationship between our H and h. I didn't really feel the connection. It just wasn't there. I liked them both. I found them interesting. But I just didn't believe that that relationship had evolved into true love.

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Delilah has come home to rescue her 16 year old sister from a forced marriage. She meets Josh a fish and wildlife cop who she’s been trained all her life not to trust. Can she brave her memories of a terrifying event from her youth to find love?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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A real page turner indeed.
A hot, protective and invested detective, a stubborn but strong and lovely heroine, add some wild animals and the rescue mission full of suspense and dangerous situation, and you've got the perfect recipe for a romantic suspense and a wildlife plot that i haven't had the chance to read much.
Apart from the great writing that kept me invested at all times, the emotions and feelings where felt on the page with each interaction and mindful monologue. Real chemistry? Maybe not so much but that hasn't deter me to really enjoy this well deserved happily ever after that my romantic heart needs so much every now and then.

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The blurb sounded really good...lots of danger, alpha male, equally brave female. That’s right up my alley.

Those elements all exist, but not in a plausible way. The story jumps around a bit. Still, I liked the book and will co tonite reading Mann. Her books are good and full of well imagined characters .

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Another amazing story set in the beautiful Ocala area of Central Florida. Jake and Delilah are at odds for several reasons, but find that when it comes to some very important events they must work together. Dealing with family drama, militia groups and monkey tribes brings Delilah and Jake through danger, disagreements and finally happiness for them and so many around them

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This is the first book I've read by Connie Mann so I didn't know what to expect, but the blurb sounded interesting. Especially since it was set in Florida and it involved a FWC agent and a woman raised in an ultra-fundamental militia family.

Josh was a sweet yet protective man who found himself drawn to the beautiful, stubborn and cagey graduate student. He knew Delilah was hiding something, but he also knew that the only way to get her to open up was to have her trust him. And although their attraction was mutual and evident, so was their hesitation to engage with each other. Trust was something that didn't come easily to either Josh or Delilah, so it was nice to see them each lowering their walls as the story progressed. Ultimately, their connection won out and their romance came together.

"Sultry romantic suspense set in Florida's untamed wilderness..."

Ummm, I don't know about "sultry" unless you were talking about the Florida weather (hot and humid). I wouldn't call it slow-burn either, because their chemistry didn't really jump off the page for me. The connection and emotions were there, but it didn't necessarily felt passionate for me.

Anyway, I enjoyed the story overall, especially the cast of secondary characters, the action and the intrigue. I also enjoyed the camaraderie between the secondary characters and will definitely pick up book one so I can experience it first hand.

I'm glad I decided to give this author a chance. I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series.

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There were tense moments, humor, love and gutsy characters in this story. Who does not like an alpha male who is protective and in love. This book makes me want to go to Alaska. Be prepare for an adventure with this read. Delilah is a take no prisoner heroine despite her fears and Josh Tanner cannot resist her. Delilah is a woman on a mission to rescue your sisters. The family dynamics of her family will bring readers to tears either from sadness or anger. She loves deeply and will go to any lengths to protect those she loves. The interaction between Josh and Delilah is fun to read.

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I am a huge fan of Connie Mann and her books, so anytime a new book comes out from her, I am excited. I am especially excited when I am lucky enough to snag an Advanced Reader Copy of one of her new books.

Connie's Florida Wildlife Warriors series is an action-packed peek into the untamed world of Florida's wild interior. Beyond Power is the second in the series and is focused on Josh Tanner's story.

In this fast-paced adventure, we get a glimpse into the underworld of the ultra-fundamental militia in the unruly Ocala Forest. The FWC is used to the survivalist living amongst them in the Ocala Forest, but when rumors of a militia trying to form in their forest their concern ramps up.

Delilah, a survivor of one of the families living in the forest, grew up with no trust of law enforcement. So, trusting Josh is a huge stretch for her. But, so save her sister, Delilah must make the tough choice.

Josh is everything we like in an alpha male hero. He is handsome, rugged, tough, and kind. He has a big heart, but also knows how to protect those who need protection.

Delilah is skittish. She is independent or has learned to become independent. Even though she has tried to escape the family and the rules and lifestyle she grew up with, she realizes that some of those same skills are going to keep her alive now.

Josh and Delilah make a good team when working together. I enjoyed watching the fences both had built around their hearts come down piece by piece.

Connie's books tend to be heavy on the suspense, which I really enjoy. But, the romance is masterfully woven into the mystery and adventure making it a well-crafted story you'll enjoy spending time with.

All in all, I loved Beyond Power and am already looking forward to her next book!

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Delilah Atwood is the heroine in the second book of the Florida Wildlife Warriors series. Delilah has returned to her hometown to study monkeys and to attempt to save her sister from a nefarious plan which is scheduled to happen on her 16th Birthday. She meets Josh Tanner and there is an instant attraction. Josh and Delilah have to work to trust each other because of their pasts.
The book has a wonderful romance and connections between the extended characters. Connie Mann does a wonderful job developing the love story and adding in plenty of excitement. For me, I was happy that Delilah was not “that heroine”, the one that makes a ton of stupid mistakes to show she is independent. She does make some stupid mistakes, but not enough that you get irritated by her. I had not read the previous book in the series, so I can honestly say that it works well as a standalone.
I felt the pace of the book was excellent. Slow enough that a true love was able to develop, but with enough exciting events to keep the reader engaged. I would highly recommend this book. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading Elle Kennedy’s Killer Instincts series or the Cobra Elite series by Pamela Clare.
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This was my first Connie Mann novel. I'm not sure why I've waited so long to give her books a try but it only took this one story to hook me for good. I'm now over here scanning her back list and downloading like crazy.

From beginning to end, Beyond Power held me in its power. Mann has created an intense, suspenseful, and emotional page-turner filled with so many twists and turns I was still guessing as to how everything would play out with only a few pages left to read. Her characters are so vividly depicted they leap from the pages, pulling me into their world. And let's talk about that world. It's clearly evident Mann knows the wildlife areas of Central Florida well. She created a sense of place that placed me smack dab in the middle of the overgrowth, rivers, forests, and wild animals that populate the undeveloped areas of this region then added characters who brought a sinister quality to the areas that our heroine once called home, adding to the intensity of the story and sense of urgency that continued to escalate.

My heart was with Delilah from the start and even more-so once her story began to unfold and the reasons for her return became clear. It's an emotional journey for her with significant personal issues to tackle. I admired her strength and fortitude. Josh won my heart right along with Delilah's. I adored his strength of character and nurturing heart. I also fell for his family and band of friends and co-workers. I'm already looking forward to more stories for this dedicated group.

I love when I forget I'm reading a book and slide into the story instead. By the time I turned the final page of Beyond Power, it took me a minute to come back into myself. I could feel the sultry heat, touch the vegetation, hear the monkey chatter, smell the sweat of fear. It's a skilled writer who can pull me so deeply into their world that I forget I'm still in my own.

If you enjoy intricately-woven romantic suspense with relatable characters, atmospheric settings, and hard-won happy endings, I highly recommend Beyond Power.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

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This is book 2 in the Florida Wildlife Warriors series and I would read the first book before reading this one as it picks up where that one left off, even though it's a different couple. Josh Tanner is a bush pilot and officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He is tough and can handle whatever comes his way in rugged areas and doesn't hesitate to do what he needs to. But when he comes across Delilah Atwood in the woods he knows that there is more going on than what she says. Delilah has come back to to try to save her sister from the same fate that befell her. She isn't about to let some man from the government stop her from doing what she needs to do. Now Josh must win her trust in order to keep her safe and find a way to truly help her.

I really liked this one. This is the first time I have read this author and I was a little iffy on whether I would like it. But I was pleasantly surprised with how much I truly did like it! josh is definitely an alpha male who will do anything to protect the people that he cares about but he also is sweet and has a heart of gold. Delilah went through something that no girl should ever have to deal with. She has a core of strength that I absolutely loved and even with the things in her past, she still has such a capacity for love that I almost didn't believe it. I just wish she hadn't been quite so stubborn about being able to do everything on her own. Definitely got on my nerves a little bit but it still didn't detract from the story itself. And not enough to make me not go back and buy the first book because I wanted to know the whole series!

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I loved the first book in the series (Beyond Risk), and have been looking forward to getting back to the Florida everglades and wilderness. It's nice to read about law enforcement beyond police and military operatives, and Josh Tanner's Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission department is interesting. Connie Mann has a great voice and develops compelling characters and engaging plots. I'll keep her on my auto-read list.

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First off I want to thank SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the invite as well as NetGalley for letting me read and review it, as soon as I saw the cover I was like yes please, what can I say most times if not all the time a cover with a hot guy will get me to pick it up , plus it was already something I would pick up and read in a heart beat. The only thing I didn't really like was how the author talked about Caroline having panic attacks and you never read her having them, other thing didn't like was when Caroline got her memory back she didn't tell right away and kept putting not only her friend at risk but also Jack and his brothers.As for Jack , I loved how he was about family and how he also wanted to know who killed father and why , but he wasn't the type of person to put his family at risk, other thing I loved was how suspenseful this story was from start to finish. There were multiple attacks on Caroline and Jack, showing that someone is determined to protect their secret no matter who got killed or hurt.

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✦Review: BEYOND POWER by Connie Mann https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-byf
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars

This was a fun, tension filled romance that kept me turning the pages. It helped that I liked Delilah and Josh from the start. They are both complex, yet relatable and I couldn’t wait for them to give in to the romance. The suspense part of the story kept me on edge wondering where the next incident would come from. Some of the situations may seem a bit farfetched in this day and age, but since it isn’t in my realm of experience, I went along for the ride and let it flow. Fast paced, action filled, and sweet romance….a nice combination. I can’t wait for book 3!

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle https://amzn.to/34NrKRq

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3.5 Stars

I had read the first book in this series and enjoyed it enough to jump at the chance to read this second one. I found the characters to be interesting and likeable and the plot intriguing enough to keep me eagerly reading. My only problem with the story is that I felt like there were some plot holes and things left unresolved. I kept wondering if I just missed the tie-in somehow, but I don't think I did. It felt like the ending was very rushed, and perhaps things that the author had planned to tie up in some way (e.g., where the monkey mothers had been; Josh telling Delilah about Elaine) ended up being left out. Other things (e.g., related to Mary and her mom) were just quickly recounted in a summary type format. Despite these things, the book is definitely worth reading, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an ARC for review.

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This was a fun suspenseful romance set in the wilds of Florida. We follow Delilah Atwood who grew up in Florida's Wilderness with her family who lived off the grid. She has recently returned after running away when she was 16 to work on her master's thesis on some local wildlife while also trying to find her sister so she can take her away. While doing her research she meets handsome Josh Tanner who is an officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation. Together they must find out who is trying to set up a local militia and what is happening with the local monkey population that she is researching. There were so many things I really enjoyed abut this story, like the research she did and the population of people who live in the wilds there. I love when a book makes me want to know more about something and this book definitely did that. The romance was also great, I liked having both characters points of view and seeing how they learn to grow throughout the story. Highly recommend this fun story if you are wanting a fast pace thrill of a romance. Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my copy to review.

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Beyond Power was such a great story. Delilah and her fierce determination to save her sister from the backwards thinking of her family was amazing. She is fearless and ready to take on anyone who gets in her way, including Officer Tanner. The chemistry between Josh and Delilah was intense. They unsuccessfully tried to keep each other at arms length but it didn’t work especially when her life is being threatened. It brought level of suspense as you try to figure out who was following her trying to kill her. Everyone gets their happy ending; Delilah and Josh get their happily ever after and Mama and Mary have their own place and are doing better. Glad to have been able to read this story.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

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