A Perfect Escape: A Romantic Thriller

by Maddie James, Maddie James

She planned her escape to the last detail—she didn’t plan on falling in love.
Megan Thomas wants to get lost—preferably in someone else’s life. But can she really escape the terror of her past, to grab onto some hope of a future?

Leaving Chicago and her mob-connected husband behind, she assumes a new identity. She planned her escape to the last detail—but she didn’t plan on Smyth Parker.

Smyth Parker is already lost. And he sure as hell doesn’t need a complication like Megan Thomas in his life. He wants nothing from no one and expects to live out his life in solitude. But when Megan fears her husband has found her, she runs again, and no detailed plan can save her this time. When she runs blindly into Smyth’s arms, he has no choice but to protect her.

Can two people running away from life, figure out how to trust each other enough to live?

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2008

About the author

Maddie James also writes as Madeleine Jaimes.

The author of 70+ romantic novels, novellas, and short stories, Maddie James pens romance and suspense stories in contemporary and paranormal worlds. Her contemporary worlds often lean toward small towns and western settings, complete with cowboys, Alpha men, and strong, take-charge women.

Her romance writing career launched in 1997 as a traditionally published author with Kensington Books. Currently publishing as an independent author, she writes full time from her Midwest, small town home, where she also gardens, cooks, and chases the dog.

Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense, so hop on for an exhilarating ride.”

Reviews

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 80%. She's running from her abusive husband who has vowed to kill her and meets a multi-millionaire hotty who's inherited a thriving brewery and now is trying to help her avoid her husband. I tried and tried to finish, but the storyline grew too outlandish and the writing just wasn't up to snuff for me. Sorry.

[Rafia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hooked me from the first page. Whats it with men trying to control women? Whats it with men being pompous bastards......Lol I think I have been reading to many similar books. The ending could have definitely been better but I am glad it turned out the way that it did.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had been on my kindle shelf for a long time, so I decided to use it as a palette cleanser between books. This was a very unsatisfying read. The characters did pique my interest, but the writing was sub-par in my opinion. There were many instances of silly statements, which were obviously meant to be thrilling or deeply emotional. One example: "his evil stare bit back with a sadistic power she never knew he possessed. " Also, there was some strange, awkward dialogue from the main characters that did not sound like how a person would talk. And before there was much of an acknowledged "connection" between the two main characters, he started calling her "honey" when she was emotional/upset... "It's ok, honey. Let it all out. You don't have to tell me anything. Just cry." I am sorry, but at this point calling her "honey" was just ridiculous. This could have been executed so much better. I was disappointed!

[Pamela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous on so many levels. Total crap. I wish I could get my money and time back.

[Noelle Hannay-Waller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't even finish it.

[FredaG · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of drama

Both the h and H were in crisis situations. It was just too much stressful situations, over and over. The h had every stereotypical situation to a nightmare husband. I got tired of her constant crying, and several loose ends were not wrapped up? I had several unanswered questions in my mind, which is unsatisfying.

[Esther Hernandez-Mata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story but....

While I enjoyed the story the editing/proofreading was horrible!
It's as if they cut words just when you needed them most!

[Shalini · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.35/5✨ genre- mafia, romance, politics. Book's plot revolves around meg who trying to hide from her abusive possessive mafia husband who was once sweet and kind to her. In the hiding she found smyth. There's sudden attraction between them but they both were dealing with their own mess. Smyth was dealing with ex- pregnant wife who needs inheritance in his property. Even tho he's sure he was not the father of the child she's carrying. In the end there's happy ending.. "She was buying her freedom"
"women and baggage don't make good combination. Hell, men and baggage aren't good combination either."
"Séx and money went hand in hand"
"Sh. Just keep it you never know"
"Please.please still be alive"
"Bradford doesn't need bed or a house, fucking in public places turns him on more than fucking in someplace as boring as bed. The last time he fucked me,we nearly hung from goddamned chandlier in his office"
"A good fuck is a good fuck, no matter how messy it gets, right?"
"Who are you, smyth parker?"
"Listen the music is all around us."
"I wish we had more time---"
"We don't" she interrupted. "It's for the best. For both of us. Lets not get into Something that will tear us both apart in the end. We need to let it go now."
"She needed him. And he,right now , needed her."
"For the first time in her life meg believed she'd experienced the true sound of silence and it felt wonderful."
"I can't be the best thing that ever happened to you. Things are so uncertain. There may be no future." "There's today"
"Paradise often comes with a price. I juat hope the cost is not too high"
She's falling hopelessly in love with smyth parker.
"There's juice in refrigerator and coffee on counter. Choose your poison."

[MS CAROLYN BARKER · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m absolutely SICK of Heroines (Megan) who are just SO incredibly beautiful…..Slim, perfect body, gorgeous long blonde hair, wide green eyes….THE works. OF COURSE the lead guy, $myth (what a crap name), is gonna fall in love with her in 2 minutes flat!! Into the bargain, Smyth is SUCH a handsome hunk - and a multi-millionaire (or more)!! What if the leading gal had crooked teeth, was well overweight, 5ft tall, with thin mouse-brown lifeless straggly hair? and Smyth was a goofy, lanky, spotty guy, also with crooked teeth and thinning hair on top, with just a couple of quid in the Bank? Why are there never any ugly bods or ordinary looking folks as lead characters? Ordinary folks are just NOT that interesting to write about, it seems, across all Authors. Has anyone else ever thought this?

A few gripping bits in parts. As another reviewer, I was irritated by Meg’s repetitive statements about not wanting another relationship….breaking her heart to keep Smyth at arms-length. Next minute they’re having it away on a blanket in the sand dunes…..what?

Too many untied ends…..what happened with Crystal? Rudy? Mack?

I seem to be faced with reading just too many novels along the exact same lines as this one, with two fantastic looking main characters who you just know are going to get together in the end…..sloppily so, in this case.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one surprised me. I didn't think I was a particular fan of the genre, but I really enjoyed this book. There were a few scenes that elicited some eyerolls and some that weren't quite consistent with how the character(s) had been portrayed, but these were ultimately outweighed by the fast-paced plot and reasonable intrigue. I say reasonable because, well, I had my bar set fairly low and it met the expectations. There were no real surprises but information was revealed in such a way that it advanced the plot at a nice pace and, as the reader, I wasn't bored by figuring it all out too early. The romance was sweet, the spice was satisfying and fit in well with the plot (I need books that speak to my heart and my head, rather than just contain heat for the sake of it), and we do get a HEA. This was my first M.L. Jameson read so I'm unable to make any comparisons, but I'm likely to pick up another of hers sometime. I'd say this would be a good one for those who, like me, don't think they're typically into this genre but are willing to give it a try- it's certainly one of the less cringeworthy ones I've encountered and was actually a pretty easy, enjoyable read.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

One might call this a romantic suspense, but this is more of a suspenseful romance. The romance is well crafted and effective. It plays a secondary role to the overarching and often intense suspense.

The character development is strong and you can get a true feel for all the characters - good and bad. The multiple POV approach allows a focus on more than one character.

The storyline is dark and oft quite harsh so be forewarned. Meg suffered in her old life and the suffering doesn't seem to stop there. The relationship with Smyth is a true selling point for this book and will win over the romance reader in you.

That the book seemed to leave a lot not explained is a touch of a drawback but can be overlooked. Strong writing here makes the book very readable. If you are a fan of intense modern suspense movies, then this book is for you. A strong effort with solid romance and powerful suspense.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

So bad. Belabored in almost every way. Exhausting inner monologues. Conflicting motives and constant fluctuation in the two main characters emotional states and what they want. In one breath they aren't looking for something together, trying to stay away to protect each other, then suddenly in the next moment they can't fight it any more and a breath later run away. Im sure the author was trying to convey a conflicted mindset, but it just didn't work. It made thre characters loose so much depth and their relationship never progressed in a believable way. Random POV shifts to other characters for parts of the book, then those just stop. Plot points were just abandoned.
Overall i wish i had the hours I spent on this book back. The story had potential but was just poorly written.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Real Page Turner

Megan Thomas needs to escape from a toxic marriage and at last feels the time has come. With the help of her friend Rudy, she leaves the house in disguise as while her husband is away, he has left two men watching the house. She has rented a house miles away but out of the blue the owner turns up and is not pleased to find her there, he has problems of his own but decides she could stay as he will be gone in a day or two. Of course things do not turn out as they should and when Megan realises her husbands men have found her both their lives are put in danger. I really enjoyed this book and found myself really worrying for Megan. I feel a bit mean for the 4 stars but I was left with some unanswered questions at the end.

[Alexandra Laughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced romantic suspense

I liked this book a lot! It was longer than the usual romance books I read and the evolution of the romance was really well done. There’s some sex but it’s definitely not a huge part of the book, which was okay with me - sometimes I like more story! For the negatives, the heroine was prone to overthinking things (and freaking out for no reason), some of the story was implausible (a whole day in an attic with no bathroom breaks?), and at times the heroine had main character syndrome where she was a little too perfect to be real. Overall I still enjoyed it though - I will definitely check out more of this author’s work!

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can't run forever

She had no choice but to run as she knew that her husband would kill her eventually. Megan is safe now she has found the perfect place to hide. But when the owner arrives unannounced she isn't too sure where to go. Smyth knows that she is hiding from something but he knows that he can't push her. He has his own problems and he can't deal with anymore. But they are drawn to each other but the past is coming for them both. Can they figure it all out together or is it best to go their separate ways?
A good read. Liked that Megan never gave up even when she wanted to. She was very brave yet stubborn at the same time. Smyth is trying hard to deal with all his stuff he in a big mess but he is still willing to be there for Megan big points from me.

[Simon Lowe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I was going to be reading a good thriller by an author I had not experienced before. Sadly I found I was reading a kind of poor quality Grisham mixed with some sort of Mills and Boon. That said, there was something that hooked me in, I don’t usually bother to finish books that I find overly formulaic, especially when they are written in a manner that leaves nothing to the imagination. Maybe because the genre was new to me and the writing style was a little bit funny (no doubt without meaning to be). I’ve tried, I won’t again.

[Ronnie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent thriller!

Some unnecessary rough language. Megan escapes from her cruel husband, but is actually running in a life and death situation knowing he will have her killed if found. She meets Becky form whom she rents a seashore house in a secluded area where she feels safe until the owner shows up. Smyth isn't happy but soon realizes Meg is running from someone and is compelled to help her. That is when all the excitement begins as they battle each others demons while fleeing those after Meg. Fear and love haunt both in an exciting thriller.

[Claire Rackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I enjoyed this book and was pleased that it wasn’t too short as it enabled the characters to be developed and for me to really get into the story. There were twists and turns throughout and you never knew what to expect next which meant I just needed to read on. It was varied and avoided any loss of interest and although I was pleased with how it turned out, I did feel the ending was a bit inconclusive and there were elements of the story that weren’t tied up. However, I would recommend this and I will read more by the author too. Overall a good, enjoyable story.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure why there are bad reviews…. This was the book that once I was finished, I wish I could reread for the first time again 😩

I loved the story line. It kept me engaged and interested the entire time. I loved Smyth and Megs relationship and how they helped each other through their issues.

I will say, you do have to pay close attention to a lot of the small details, but if you do, you’ll see why this book is 5🌟‘a

[Spicydish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Megan Thomas flees Chicago after sending her abusive mobster husband divorce papers. Furious because Megan ruined his plans to run for political office, Bradford Thomas vows to hunt her down and kill her.
In her attempt to hide Megan stumbles into her rescuer. Predictably they fall in love.
There were a few shady characters that threatened to ruin Megan’s plans. Nothing original in this story.
If you like romantic drivel, you like this sappy story.

[Cheryl Murdock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and easy read

I enjoyed reading A Perfect escape and didn't want to put it down till I was done with it. Some of the side story line seemed useless and the author never tied up the loose ends of that part of the story.I would recommend this book if you like a story with a little bit of thrills and romance.

[Marianne Lopapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Escape: Review

I loved the book....It had great memorable characters & intrigue....It was a great suspense on your toes kind of mystery....A love story intertwined through out too....Loved the ending and glad it was a happy one....This book was an enjoyable read.... Thank- you..M.L.

[Sarah Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, the review on this book was not favorable but I thought the character development was good. The author made you understand the characters put me right into the main characters shoes. I liked the story line. For a romantic suspense, this hit all the marks for me. Really enjoyed this story.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A LITTLE SHADES OF SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, BUT DIFFERENT AND SO MUCH BETTER, THAT SMYTH IS A VERY SEXY MYSTERIOUS MAN. I WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANOTHER STAR BUT THE STORY GOT STRETCHED OUT NEAR THE END, MADE IT MUCH TOO LONG, THEN IT GOT SORTA STUPID. MILDLY SEXUAL, VERY MILD. I STILL WONDER WHAT DO EARTHWORMS SMELL LIKE? HUMMMMMMM. ;D

[Don Follett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read about the wife of a mob boss trying to escape his brutality toward her. She thinks she has gotten away only to discover the henchmen of the mob boss have found her. It was a very good ending and one that surprised me. Although this is not the type of book I normally read I enjoyed the story and the characters and found it easy to read.

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insatiable

One of the most intriguing Mysteries I have ever read. I began reading the book in the early evening and was so transfixed that the hours flew by. I lost one night sleep and then into the next day, I read and I kept reading until the end. This is one book I will definitely read again.

[Alex Westmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fire your editor…find a thesaurus.

Poorly written and edited, the story is contrived, the plot ludicrous, and the lazy writing evident to anyone who appreciates tight writing. This book could have been so much better ( not to mention shorter) had it been properly edited and revised two more times. My perfect escape happened when this story was finally over.

[Robin Ofsonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun for your life

I loved this book. Meg went through help with her abusive, cheating, lying, murdering husband. It made me want to reach through this book and slap him straight. She fled and has to keep running. He will find her and then kill her. Can she keep running or will obstacles cause her to be found? Read to find out.

[Jillian Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story although the bad guy's point of view did get a little campy at times. Also, full of typos and in need of an edit but all in all a great story that kept me turning the pages! Really loved the male main character.

[Barbara S. Sturdivant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Try to run!

Meg and Smyth make a great couple. Meg has had a rough and terrible life married to a mean, brutal man, Bradford. Run, she must run. Then she meets Synth and the rest is the story.