Above and Beyond

Duty #2

by Betsy Brannon Green

Now that Savannah has her daughter, Caroline, back after a frightening abduction, life seems calmer. But that serenity comes to an abrupt end when twenty-year-old Rosemary Allen pleads for Savannah's help after running away from her dangerously controlling father. But her father isn't just anyone -- he's Mario Ferrante, the criminal mastermind who oversaw Caroline's kidnapping. Rosemary and her husband had planned to escape from Ferrante's house together, but the plan was foiled, and Rosemary had to escape alone. Now she is begging Savannah to help keep her safe and to rescue her husband.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Lds, Romance, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

251 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2008

About the author

"WELCOME!!!!!

If you're not familiar with my books, I write mystery-suspense novels. I am LDS (Mormon) and so are some of my characters, but I have loyal readers from many different faiths. My goal is to engage the reader in my books. I want to make them laugh and cry and worry and dread the end.

Most of my books are set in the fictional town of Haggerty, Georgia - which is loosely based on my grandparents' hometown of Headland, Alabama (the most wonderful place on earth). Each book has an ample supply of romance, suspense, Southern hospitality and even recipies!"

by Betsy Brannon Green on http://www.betsybrannongreen.net/

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Genre: LDS fiction/romance/suspense) This is the second book in Betsy Brannon Green's Duty series and it is just as fun as the first one. Lots of tension between the 2 main characters (Savannah and Dane) and the underlying mystery of why a mafia boss is trying to grab Savannah and/or her daughter. This is a 3 part series and book 3 is due out next Spring, so if you can't stand to be left hanging, you may want to wait until then to read this. It definitely has a cliff hanger ending.
I have really enjoyed Green's writing style and the dialogue she writes for her characters. I think she is one of the best LDS romance authors out there.

[Tim Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book as a bit of sequelitis. It's a bit too common, where an author has a great idea for book 1, planning on continuing it on to book 2, but not really having a plan for book 2.

So what did we get here? About a third of the book (or more, probably) is about Savannah pining after Major Dane. It was a bit sappy at times, but what really bothered me was the desperation. I mean, I get it, she loves him and wants to be with him. I don't have a problem with that. But to feel depressing heartbreak when he leaves the room for 8 hours? That was a bit much.

Fortunately, there wasn't a whole ton of that, but enough to roll my eyes more than once.

Another third of the book is setting up for the third book in the series. It was weird. The plot of this one finished about 70% of the way through the book, and the remaining 30% was just adding new mysteries and issues that clearly wouldn't be resolved by the last page. It was good and interesting mystery, it was just really, really weirdly placed. Had it been sprinkled throughout the book, it would have been much stronger.

The last third of the book was the actual sequel plot, which was right in the middle of the book, and, as I mentioned before, resolved before the book was 3/4ths of the way done. It was an okay plot, though much weaker than the first book. Plus, except for about 10 pages, it didn't have any sort of sense of urgency. Savannah is supposed to be in danger, but she doesn't FEEL in danger. Some crazy psycho is on his way to kill you, and you are . . . out on casual stroll?

It's like the author really, really wanted to develop her characters, and decided a story could come second to that.

It wasn't a bad book. The characters, other than the few times of desperate pining, were fairly interesting, complex characters. It just was missing the fairly interesting, complex plot to go along with it.

Fortunately, I started on book 3 to get the series rounded out. Haven't gotten very far, but it seems like that one will actually have a plot to it that's more than just an afterthought.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I didn't like this book nearly as well as the first one. I was actually wavering between a 3 and a 4. I have SERIOUS issues with dumb heroines. During parts of it, this girl was acting more like a desperate, immature, lovesick teenager than an adult woman. I was not impressed. Initially I went with 4 stars on this one. It had its issues, but I still really enjoyed it. However, after reading the 3rd book in the series, I had to change it to 3. I liked that one better than this one, but not well enough to give it a 5. How I wish I could do half stars! It also ends with a cliffhanger, but oh well...

reread --

There are a couple of books coming up that tie into this series, so I wanted to reread these before I got into those. I remember having some issues with one of the books, but for some reason I had been thinking it was the 3rd one, rather than this one.

I seriously can't believe I ever even remotely considered giving this book 4 stars, let alone actually doing it even though I ended up revising my rating. This time I was wavering between two and three. Last time I wrote this review, I compared Savannah to a teenager. This time, I felt like that might be pretty insulting to some of the teenagers out there. Having worked with teens in various capacities for more than 30 years, I can honestly say that I have known a lot of teens who are more mature than she was. She was petulant, whiny, and borderline stalker. There didn't seem to be anything fueling the relationship between Dane and Savannah other than their past history (which based on the number of divorces out there doesn't mean a whole lot when that's the only thing people have going for them) and physical attraction. He wasn't very kind to her, which I couldn't blame him for, and...well...I've already described her -- nothing I think would actually be attractive to a man there. Towards the end, the intrigue and suspense kept me from lowering this to two stars, but I don't think I will be keeping these books.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous book. I couldn't put it down and stayed up till 3am. this is the sequel to hazardous duty so read it first. Savannah is still trying to keep safe from the mafia boss and finds his pregnant daughter waiting for her when she returns to her home on the army base her lastest places to hide. She has been successful in keeping her daughter from being kidnapped for the time being, but wants to help rosemary to get her husband back from her father. the only person for the job is Major Dane and it doesn't hurt anything that Savannah wants to see him too since he won't return her calls. she hasn't yet convinced him that they can have a life together because the last time he almost killed her when he was having a nightmare about when he was in a POW. He is the team leader of a special ops team and was also left behind on a mission by Savannah's late husband because Wes wanted to marry Savannah and Dane had won her heart. read to find out if there is a happily ever after. And you have to wait for the next book. This one leaves you hanging again.

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but found that I was mostly annoyed as I read Above and Beyond. It was mostly a repeat of things that happened in the first book. The same people are still in trouble and Dane and Savannah still haven't worked things out. I was also annoyed with the two main characters. In the first book I liked Savannah, but in Above and Beyond she's just annoyingly pushy and whiny. And Dane's no better. I'm tired of his flip flopping. He says he doesn't love Savannah and that she just needs to forget about him, yet with the same breath he shows romantic interest in her. His actions and words just aren't consistent. I think the elementary game of tug of war (he likes me, oh he doesn't like me)worked well for the first book, but now I just have whip-lash.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Savannah bugged me like crazy in this book. She drags the team into taking this case, then spends her whole time worrying that they may or may not like her.

This scene is indicative of what drove me crazy: Savannah is up on the mountain, dropping off her daughter in the custody of her in-laws. There comes a moment where she thinks she has been ditched by Dane and she gets very emotional and angry until he reappears. Then they both go to leave and she decides she doesn't want to go and leave her daughter and has to be talked in to going! Jeepers, lady! Do you want to go or not!?!?! And then Dane is an absolute jerk- you wonder why she is desperately after him in the first place!

I've heard the third book is the best of the series. I really enjoyed the first book, so I am looking forward to Savannah being strong and capable again.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a sequel to Hazardous Duty, I felt this book was basically a repeat since nothing was resolved between Dane and Savannah, and Caroline was in danger yet again, and the mob-guy continued to be a threat. I don't remember Savannah being such a whiney and demanding character in the first book, so I was surprised in this book that I found myself siding with Dane and his aloofness because I felt the same way. Also, Dane's character wasn't consistent because one second he was teasing, the other he was downright mean and rude, with seemingly no provocation. I couldn't find one reason or "feel" any of the love that Savannah had for him. Her motivations were much more clear in the first book, and I think the reader needed to be reminded of that.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one and the twists and turns that took place throughout, but especially in New Orleans. I loved some of the surprises there! However, I was able to see the "bad guy" coming this time around. And it is another cliff-hanger, so that was a little hard since there isn't that feeling of closure that I like to have. There were also a few typos that jumped out at me, like using "peddled" instead of "pedaled" and "jealously" instead of "jealousy" but overall it was well-edited. As always, I am a big Betsy Brannon Green fan and I think this is her best series to date.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this second book in the series. But...Savannah (the main character) really bothered me. She came across as selfish and immature. She has a daughter, but seemed more interested in throwing herself into the line of danger, just to be with the man she loves. All that aside, it was still a good, suspenseful (with a dash of some romance) book.

[Kim Woodbury · Rating 2 out of 5]

Betsy Brannon Green is one of my favorite authors, but I was so disappointed in this book! It is the second in a three-part series and the ending really leaves you hanging. The main character is also a bit annoying. If you have never read any of Betsy Brannon Green's books, don't start with this series.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Green's story line, however, way too much on the romance thoughts! The main character philosophizes about her romantic feelings redundantly. I did like the ending...it left me wanting to read more even though I didn't love the book.

[Tanya · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to read it but got bored so fast I never finished it. I'm sorry to say that because I usually finish most books. I think I have never gotten in touch with the characters in this series to really care about them.

[Maralee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the first one. Unfortunately this sequel was just irritating. I remember Savannah being strong willed and determined in the first book. In this book she is very whiney and kind of a baby. Very disappointed.

[Marilyn Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Hazardous Duty. Savannah meets Rosemary, who is the pregnant daughter of Mario Ferrante. Mario is the man who was the mastermind of Caroline’s kidnapping in the previous book. Once again, Savannah goes to Major Christopher Dane for help to rescue Rosemary’s husband from the grips of Mr Ferrante. Operation Sitting Duck does not go as planned but the good surprises are still found. This story is very similar to the previous book thus I gave it 4 stars.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Duty Series is non-stop action from the first page to the last. The characters and situation are a continuation of Hazardous Duty so you really need to read the books in order. This book is well written with great characters. The plot moves quickly and I was totally surprised by the ending. Just FYI, this book ends with a HUGE cliffhanger.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first book. I gave Savannah a little grace in the opening book because of all the trauma and yadda yadda, but she was a simpering idiot in the second book. It was painful to watch her throw herself at Dane the entire time and make awful decision after awful decision for the sake of being with him or proving herself to him. Painful.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. Meh. I only finished it because I wanted to know what happened. I won't be reading the third, not worth my time.

[Ranee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Savannah annoying whiny in this book and it was harder to follow the reasoning behind the characters’ actions but I’ll read the next book in the series to see what happens.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to tie Savannah up and tape her mouth shut.
All the major conflicts in the story, are centered around her terrible decisions.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Natalie Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put down these books and read all three of the first part of the series in three days, and that was my second or third reread of the series. It was addicting! I couldn’t get enough of Dane and Savannah. This series never gets old. The witty banter of the group leaves the distinct impression that they are real people with true thoughts, as each character is well-developed and thought out. This book is simply priceless and brings all the feels. You can’t help but root for Dane and Savannah throughout the whole series. The whole book I thought I knew what was happening and yet I was surprised by the end. I’m very pleased with the events in this book. Must read!

[Kristen Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great sequel, it's just not as good as the first. Intriguing and heartbreaking.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at good as the first book. Savanna is too whiny and needy

[Darlis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow!! Good again! I am totally stunned!

[Angieluila Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as her last series. This one leaves on a total cliffhanger.

[Shelly Quintana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in the series was good, but this one is pretty predictable. The main character gets a little more puppy love pathetic.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that Savannah has her daughter, Caroline, back after a frightening abduction, life seems calmer. But that serenity comes to an abrupt end when twenty-year-old Rosemary Allen pleads for Savannah's help after running away from her dangerously controlling father. But her father isn't just anyone�he's Mario Ferrante, the criminal mastermind who oversaw Caroline's kidnapping. Rosemary and her husband had planned to escape from Ferrante's house together, but the plan was foiled and Rosemary had to escape alone. Now she is begging Savannah to help keep her safe and rescue her husband. She knows it's risky, but Savannah can't resist taking on the challenge. And she knows one person who is just crazy enough to take it on with her�Major Christopher Dane. Savannah just hopes he won't be able to see through her feigned indifference to him and discover her desperate desire to be reunited with him, even if it requires both of them to put their lives in danger . . . again. Savannah entreats the help of Dane and his team, and after some convincing, they all agree to take the assignment. Will the team's undercover plots to beat Ferrante at his own game be enough to win against such a cunning criminal? Will Savannah be able to withstand her resurfacing nightmares when Caroline's safety is in great danger once again? And will she ever have reason to hope that Dane could someday let her into his complicated life?

2nd in the series. I am enjoying them a lot.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not as good as the first one. Characters are still good, but the plot was really convoluted and felt very contrived. It felt like it should have ended about 40 pages before it did, and then the ending was actually annoying. I don't mind cliff-hanger endings--and in fact I think they're often a good idea and fun. Not here. The whole last two chapters felt like a complete set up for just that last sentence. I kind of felt cheated.

However, I will continue with the next book, because I have faith that the next book will be back to what I have come to see as her usual high quality. None of us can be perfect all the time!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed by this book. I normally enjoy Betsy Brannon Green's writing, but I am not liking this new series as much. Savannah's obsession with Dane is rather sickening during most of the book. Dane's disdain is probably deserved.
I don't think this new series will be as popular as the Haggerty books. The characters just aren't as likeable or engaging.
I also dislike how this book ended. Epiglogue puts Savannah directly into Mario Ferrante's hands. And who knows how long it will take the next book to come out. Irritating.
Also my premise is that Savannah's missing/unknown father will turn out to be Ferrante. Just a guess.

[Tiffany Dominguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book ended on a cliffhanger, so I borrowed this one and I wasn't dissapointed. The main character, a single mom, enlists the help of a former fiance and army Major. In the first book, the two work together to get back her kidnapped daughter. In this one, they help out a mob boss's daughter. I like the fact that you never know the whole story, so in the end, there are always a couple surprises. At the very end of this book, there is a huge cliffhanger. Great writing tool to keep me coming back for more. It reminds me of the endings of all of the Morganville vampire series - you can hardly wait to pick up the next book.