Beyond Risk by Connie Mann – a Review

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Description:
The river runs wild …

Former Fish & Wildlife Officer Charlotte “Charlee” Tanner still carries the guilt of a tragic drowning accident that occurred on her watch. She hoped moving back home to the wilds of central Florida would provide a safe haven—until she learns the death was no accident, and she’s the intended target.

… But no wilder than their passion.

Tough and decisive, Lieutenant Hunter Boudreau loves his new job as a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Charlee is his best friend, so when she comes under fire, he’s not letting her out of his sight until the killer is caught. But Charlee won’t sit by and let anyone else die for her.

As danger closes in and Charlee and Hunter’s attraction threatens to consume them, Charlee has to decide if she can trust Hunter. And to save Charlee, Hunter will have to trust her, too.

Review:

A kayaking adventure gone horribly wrong is not only a personal failure for Florida river guide, Charlee Tanner, but when shots ring out on the anniversary of the tragic event, in the middle of a new tour, it’s open season for revenge and Charlee is the main target.  Though no slouch in defending herself, she’s a former Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, Charlee hails from a family of law enforcement, aka overprotective siblings, who run roughshod over her limits and rally to keep her safe.  Add to that lengthy list of support is Hunter Boudreau, current Lieutenant of the FWC, and Charlee’s best friend.  Charlee leans on Hunter the most, BFF definition and all, but simmering there, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, is a deeper affection that threatens to boil over.  The risk factor heightens awareness for Hunter and Charlee, but can they stop to smell the roses while being stalked?  As a matter of fact, Author Connie Mann deems it “Beyond Risk“, ?

Start from the beginning, obviously.  Revisit the harrowing scene that haunts, and taunts, Charlee’s confidence.  The devastating drowning was avoided this trip, but the similarities begin to mirror each other soon enough.  Figures who couldn’t possibly be a threat suddenly display motive and suspicion clouds the investigation, to say nothing of judgment.  Worse, characters are dying and being used against Charlee to offer herself up as the final sacrifice. 

“He lived for her pain, actually. She’d understand, finally, what he’d been going through. She’d fully experience how one person’s actions could snatch away someone you loved, changing everything. Forever.”

I’m being painfully vague, but it’s a trail you have to follow, to explore the character dynamics, to see if you deduct who the killer is.  The turns and detours are challenging and skilled.  It’s intense and well written.

Ms. Mann knows her way with a thriller.  While I suspected who the killer might be, the chase, the leads, the motives, the deadlines…they drove me relentlessly; kept me in the fight to thwart the killer from striking again.  I puzzled along with our H/H and felt all their setbacks.  I reveled in their rare moments of “downtime” when they turned to each other for solace and hope for a future, in the bleakest of times.  Beyond Risk was layered with action, sleuthing, and romance for the complete win.  The supporting cast, all those well meaning siblings, could take the lead on a new chase if you ask me.  Thank you, Lena Diaz, for the recommendation — I’d read another book by Connie Mann anytime! 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review