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THE ONLY WAY OUT
Andie Cochran thought she had at last escaped the clutches of her ruthless, power-mad ex-husband-but then he abducted the child she loved more than life itself. And now, alone in a foreign country, she had no one to turn to but another very dangerous man-a man who awakened passions she had thought long dead….Jeff Markum had come to this place in search of revenge, not caring that death could easily be the price he had to pay. But now, against his will, a woman was making him care about something more than vengeance-a woman who had once belonged to the very man he meant to destroy….
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1995
107 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
851 books15.3k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 20, 2016
The Only Way Out by Susan Mallery
Have read many of the authors other works and have been on her street team to promote her books.
This one is a very old one and so different from the Fool's Gold series that I'm actually enjoying the strategy of it all.
Jeff has watched his wife and child die in the blast, Krey is the culprit and in time he will get revenge. On the island he lays low and almost takes Krey out but a woman gets in the way.
It's his ex-wife and she's there to get the child Krey had kidnapped. He runs into her as she's escaping with the child and they plan together how to get off the island when the airports been shut down from Krey's order...
Like the survival skills he teaches her. Bits of romance but really liked the action and adventure.
I actually bought this book because it was one I had never read or was given a copy to review.
Have read many of the authors other works and have been on her street team to promote her books.
This one is a very old one and so different from the Fool's Gold series that I'm actually enjoying the strategy of it all.
Jeff has watched his wife and child die in the blast, Krey is the culprit and in time he will get revenge. On the island he lays low and almost takes Krey out but a woman gets in the way.
It's his ex-wife and she's there to get the child Krey had kidnapped. He runs into her as she's escaping with the child and they plan together how to get off the island when the airports been shut down from Krey's order...
Like the survival skills he teaches her. Bits of romance but really liked the action and adventure.
I actually bought this book because it was one I had never read or was given a copy to review.
October 10, 2024
Cliche older romance book by Susan Mallery. I enjoyed it l. Clever and suspenseful plot. Not your modern style romance, more the damsel in distress with male hero type trope.
June 8, 2018
Andie Cochran's ex-husband has kidnapped her son and taken him to an island in the Carribbean. When Andie married the man, she knew nothing about his criminal empire. Once she realized how her ex made his living, she left him. Now her ex has decided that his son is old enough to become part of his life, he took the boy from Andie. When Andie arrives on the island in a desperate attempt to take back her 5 year old son, she meets a mysterious man who has intentions to stop Andie's ex's criminal activities, no matter what it takes.
September 13, 2012
A little trite. I had forgotten how easy it was to travel fifteen years ago. Cell phones were special. Not a great story, but good characters.
January 24, 2019
Ugh, when an I going to learn not to bother with my favorite author's older books? I know I should have learned the lesson by now, but somehow I expected The Only Way Out to be different. And for the first few pages, it was.
The story actually started out very well, and I was getting engrossed in the plot. But all that enthusiasm came to a screeching halt when Andie, her son Bobby and Jeff, on the run and temporarily stranded on an island practically owned by Andie's ex-husband Kray (who is not only a notorious criminal but is also responsible for the deaths of Jeff's wife and son years ago) end up taking shelter in a secluded house, hoping its remoteness will give them time to plan their escape - and Andie and Bobby's return to the US. Told like this, it doesn't sound all that bad.
But when they take time to swim in the pool, grill fish in the deck and generally act like they are on vacation on the Caribbean, that's when I started to cringe. If I were in a similar situation, the last thing I would want was to splash around in a pool, set a table for three and do the dishes afterwards. And, most especially I wouldn't want to get involved with a man I knew nothing about.
Andie has made a huge judgment error in the past by marrying Kray - she's the first to admit she was too blindsided to realize he was a criminal until the evidence was right in front of her eyes. How can she take one look at Jeff (she only learns his last name after sleeping with twice - and unprotected sex at that) and decide that (1) he's one of the good guys, (2) he works for the government and is on a mission to arrest her ex-husband (because, really, what other alternatives were there for a heavily armed man snooping around Kay's house) and (3) the she loves him? - ok, the "love" part comes a bit later but still before the learns his last name...
Overall, it's a silly, silly book and not worth your time. I'm rating it with two stars because I really liked the beginning of the story and I think the plot did have potential. But not even Susan Mallery's writing skills are going to convince me it deserves more than that.
The story actually started out very well, and I was getting engrossed in the plot. But all that enthusiasm came to a screeching halt when Andie, her son Bobby and Jeff, on the run and temporarily stranded on an island practically owned by Andie's ex-husband Kray (who is not only a notorious criminal but is also responsible for the deaths of Jeff's wife and son years ago) end up taking shelter in a secluded house, hoping its remoteness will give them time to plan their escape - and Andie and Bobby's return to the US. Told like this, it doesn't sound all that bad.
But when they take time to swim in the pool, grill fish in the deck and generally act like they are on vacation on the Caribbean, that's when I started to cringe. If I were in a similar situation, the last thing I would want was to splash around in a pool, set a table for three and do the dishes afterwards. And, most especially I wouldn't want to get involved with a man I knew nothing about.
Andie has made a huge judgment error in the past by marrying Kray - she's the first to admit she was too blindsided to realize he was a criminal until the evidence was right in front of her eyes. How can she take one look at Jeff (she only learns his last name after sleeping with twice - and unprotected sex at that) and decide that (1) he's one of the good guys, (2) he works for the government and is on a mission to arrest her ex-husband (because, really, what other alternatives were there for a heavily armed man snooping around Kay's house) and (3) the she loves him? - ok, the "love" part comes a bit later but still before the learns his last name...
Overall, it's a silly, silly book and not worth your time. I'm rating it with two stars because I really liked the beginning of the story and I think the plot did have potential. But not even Susan Mallery's writing skills are going to convince me it deserves more than that.
May 12, 2019
I did like The Only Way Out by Susan Mallory. It was first published in 1995 so it is slightly dated but the narrator, Savannah Richards, was enjoyable to listen to. Andie has resuced her son from her ex-husband, runs into Jeff who is bent on revenge against Andie's ex-husband. It was a nice listen while cleaning house.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
July 3, 2017
At first, I couldn't stand the hero of the story--Jeff. A little overboard with too much anger and hostility just because he couldn't get over the past which by his own admission wasn't really going too great. But all said and done "All's well that ends well". I definitely wouldn't put Jeff up their with Daniel Siva's Gabriel Allon.
May 14, 2019
A story about Andie, a woman trying to escape her criminal ex-husband's island after getting her son back from him, and Jeff, the government agent with a vendetta determined to assassinate the man responsible for his family's death.
The two become unlikely allies, but apart from the attraction between them, Jeff's resentment towards Andie makes the situation extremely tense. Running for their lives, the two become close and feelings develop the more they get to know each other.
Enjoyable, if slightly dated story, with a hero that has to decide if overcoming his trauma in favor of a better future is worth more than his revenge.
The two become unlikely allies, but apart from the attraction between them, Jeff's resentment towards Andie makes the situation extremely tense. Running for their lives, the two become close and feelings develop the more they get to know each other.
Enjoyable, if slightly dated story, with a hero that has to decide if overcoming his trauma in favor of a better future is worth more than his revenge.
August 9, 2020
Andie and Jeff
Both suffered at the hands of Kray. This brought them together. Jeff with the help of Andie was getting over the loss of his fist wife and son who were killed by a car bomb. He saved Bobby and Andie from Kray and then got married and had 2 more children and Andie finished her law school degree.
Both suffered at the hands of Kray. This brought them together. Jeff with the help of Andie was getting over the loss of his fist wife and son who were killed by a car bomb. He saved Bobby and Andie from Kray and then got married and had 2 more children and Andie finished her law school degree.
October 31, 2020
Enjoyable
This book was very different from the other books by Susan Mallery that I’ve read, but still enjoyable. This story had more suspense and drama. I agree with another reviewer about how the scenes ran from one to another, frequently without breaks, and the discrepancy between St. Lucas and St. Lucia.
This book was very different from the other books by Susan Mallery that I’ve read, but still enjoyable. This story had more suspense and drama. I agree with another reviewer about how the scenes ran from one to another, frequently without breaks, and the discrepancy between St. Lucas and St. Lucia.
October 1, 2021
Not one roof my favorites
I've read over 100 of her books, but this is the second in an hi row I've not cared for. I've been a fan for a long time, but if this is what her books are like now, I probably won't continue reading her. Also, her books are coming out at almost $10 for e-books now, and as someone who lives on a fixed income, this is beyond my budget.
I've read over 100 of her books, but this is the second in an hi row I've not cared for. I've been a fan for a long time, but if this is what her books are like now, I probably won't continue reading her. Also, her books are coming out at almost $10 for e-books now, and as someone who lives on a fixed income, this is beyond my budget.
February 8, 2021
Surprising
The story of Andie and Jeff was very surprising in that it is totally different than by of the other books of Mallery that I've read. But I really got into the storyline and enjoyed the book!
The story of Andie and Jeff was very surprising in that it is totally different than by of the other books of Mallery that I've read. But I really got into the storyline and enjoyed the book!
June 25, 2017
The ONLY Way Out
Great surprises with lots of action. Love conquers all. Each character gave his all to capture our interests. Terrific ending.
Great surprises with lots of action. Love conquers all. Each character gave his all to capture our interests. Terrific ending.
June 24, 2020
Unrealistic five year old, repetitive, contradictory, predictable, badly written. Wonderful narration.
December 25, 2021
Amazing. Love the book. But this author always amazes me.
February 4, 2023
Hoopla ebook didn't like
February 11, 2025
Susan Mallory one of my favorite author's ,but this story line was so far from her normal not a good story.It is 1995 so maybe that’s the excuse. Had to struggle to finish it!
Read
August 11, 2025Too much sex, too little story.
I hate the long, drawn out, sex scenes. I would much rather have more plot. Not my favorite of her books.
I hate the long, drawn out, sex scenes. I would much rather have more plot. Not my favorite of her books.
July 9, 2019
Not my favorite Susan Mallery: a bit contrived and repetitive.
March 9, 2013
★★☆☆☆
Sinopse
Andie Cochran pensou que tinha finalmente escapado das garras de seu cruel ex-marido - mas ele raptou a criança que ela ama mais do que a própria vida. E agora, só, num país estrangeiro, ela não tinha a quem recorrer, mas a um outro homem muito perigoso - um homem que desperta paixões que ela tinha pensado mortas há muito tempo.
Jeff Markum tinha chegado a este lugar em busca de vingança, não se importando que a morte poderia facilmente ser o preço que teria de pagar. Mas, agora, contra a sua vontade, uma mulher estava fazendo ele se preocupam com algo mais do que a vingança - uma mulher que havia pertencido ao homem muito ele queria destruir.
Fonte
Opinião:
Já li muitos livros de Susan Mallery, mas este não foi, sem dúvida, o meu favorito. Gostei do livro, mas não o suficiente para dar mais que duas estrelas. Aliás, como a própria descrição das estrelas diz... "It was OK".
A escrita estava boa, como de costume. Contudo, não me consegui prender nem às personagens, nem às suas acções, nem ao enredo...
Concluindo, foi uma leitura leve e interessante quanto baste, mas não foi o melhor de Mallery!
Sinopse
Andie Cochran pensou que tinha finalmente escapado das garras de seu cruel ex-marido - mas ele raptou a criança que ela ama mais do que a própria vida. E agora, só, num país estrangeiro, ela não tinha a quem recorrer, mas a um outro homem muito perigoso - um homem que desperta paixões que ela tinha pensado mortas há muito tempo.
Jeff Markum tinha chegado a este lugar em busca de vingança, não se importando que a morte poderia facilmente ser o preço que teria de pagar. Mas, agora, contra a sua vontade, uma mulher estava fazendo ele se preocupam com algo mais do que a vingança - uma mulher que havia pertencido ao homem muito ele queria destruir.
Fonte
Opinião:
Já li muitos livros de Susan Mallery, mas este não foi, sem dúvida, o meu favorito. Gostei do livro, mas não o suficiente para dar mais que duas estrelas. Aliás, como a própria descrição das estrelas diz... "It was OK".
A escrita estava boa, como de costume. Contudo, não me consegui prender nem às personagens, nem às suas acções, nem ao enredo...
Concluindo, foi uma leitura leve e interessante quanto baste, mas não foi o melhor de Mallery!
September 20, 2011
As a newer fan of Susan Mallery's work, I have to say that The Only Way Out was a pleasant surprise. Up until this point, I had only read the contemporary romances, and while this book also falls under that category, I really enjoyed the element of suspense. It was a nice departure from the other books while still keeping all of those elements I usually love about her work.
The characters in The Only Way Out were very interesting, but also carrying a lot of heavy baggage. So many times my heart just ached from Jeff and all that he'd been through as well as all of the guilt he carried with him. And Andie's fear and fierce determination to get her son away from horrible ex-husband was admirable. Bobby was a cute little guy, and I really enjoyed his interactions throughout the book.
As much as I did enjoy the suspense aspect of the book, I do think it could have been better. There were moments of worry and fear while I read, but sometimes the tension just felt like it ended a little too quickly or too neatly. I think that would be my only complaint regarding the book. Otherwise, it was definitely a good read!
The characters in The Only Way Out were very interesting, but also carrying a lot of heavy baggage. So many times my heart just ached from Jeff and all that he'd been through as well as all of the guilt he carried with him. And Andie's fear and fierce determination to get her son away from horrible ex-husband was admirable. Bobby was a cute little guy, and I really enjoyed his interactions throughout the book.
As much as I did enjoy the suspense aspect of the book, I do think it could have been better. There were moments of worry and fear while I read, but sometimes the tension just felt like it ended a little too quickly or too neatly. I think that would be my only complaint regarding the book. Otherwise, it was definitely a good read!
September 30, 2021
This is a really good romantic suspense novel, more reminiscent of Linda Howard's earlier work than of the usual Susan Mallery. I wish we could see more of these from her! Andie is a mom determined to do whatever it takes to rescue her son from his criminal father when fate throws her in the path of Jeff Markum, a rogue agent bent on revenge for his own wife & child's murders. Mallery does a great job of showing the range of emotions Andie and Jeff go through as they learn to work together, respect one another, and eventually care for one another as both of them look to heal their very souls. We also get a cameo from Cort and Faith, whom we met in Tempting Faith.
July 3, 2015
As a previous reviewer said this is not your usual Susan Mallery book. Jeff lost his wife and child years ago to a drug lord who killed his family because was Jeff trying to bring the drug "Kray to justice. The book then flashes to current time which is five years later where Jeff is planning to kill Kray. As he is getting ready to kill him he notices a woman breaks into Krays house and comes out with his son. He finds out its the mother of the child. So goes this suspense thriller romance. Different but loved the suspense aspect to the romance.
June 18, 2020
Not what I have come to expect from Ms. Mallery but a good example of suspense mixed with romance with the suspense winning out for most of the book. It kept me on the edge of my seat most of the time. Andie Cochran successfully re-kidnaps her kidnapped son and then cannot get off the island. Jeff Markum, who plans to assassinate her ex-husband, gets involved in trying to get Andie and Bobby away so he can finish his self-appointed job. The book is complex and exciting to the end.
December 5, 2017
I LOVED IT
From the start this book held me captive it was that good.
I love single book not Sires books I read a few of her sires books they are good but I like the singles better.
This one was totally great could not put it down.
A must read if you like a lil romance a mystery and some laughter to.
You will get it right here.
From the start this book held me captive it was that good.
I love single book not Sires books I read a few of her sires books they are good but I like the singles better.
This one was totally great could not put it down.
A must read if you like a lil romance a mystery and some laughter to.
You will get it right here.
October 8, 2011
Not a typical Susan Mallery plot but I really liked it. Lots of suspense and great characters. As I read it, I kept forgetting that it was a Susan Mallery book! Because of the plotline, I kept thinking it was a Brenda Novak novel or even one of Anne Stuart's. Good book, I recommend it.
July 2, 2013
This is an early book written in 1995 and it shows. While I really like the "Fool's Gold" and "Bakery Sisters" series, this one was a little contrived and seemed amateurish compared to her current books.
October 22, 2010
Predictable.
March 23, 2012
Blah. I just couldn't get into this one. I picked it up for a quick read, and I just slogged through it. Finally quit about 3/4 of the way in, and just read the last chapter !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews