Beyond Power

Like Beyond Risk, the first in Mann’s Florida Wildlife Warriors series, this gripping romantic thriller set in the wilderness of central Florida rewards readers willing to suspend their disbelief. At 16, Delilah Atwood escaped from her militant, survivalist family and the marriage they arranged between her and a much older man. Eight years later, Delilah’s master’s degree program at Florida State University sends her back home to Ocala to study the local monkey population, but her real concern is getting her teenage sister, Mary, away from her abusive family before they can try to marry her off as well. Increased local militia activity and the murder of another monkey researcher has caught the attention of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, including Officer Josh Tanner, and Delilah’s family may be connected to the crime. Delilah and Josh will need each other’s help to get to the bottom of things and rescue Mary, but their undeniable attraction to one another complicates their working relationship. Mann glosses over some of the more unbelievable elements of her suspense plot—like why no one recognizes Delilah in the community where she grew up—with a quick pace and powerful emotions. Readers willing to overlook some implausibilities are in for an easy, entertaining ride. Agent: Amanda Leuck, Spencerhill. (Aug.)