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Breaking Out #1
Breaking Out: Part I
Kelli Barrack has spent the last three years imprisoned in Dr. Greenway's facility plotting her escape, but when her chance comes one Halloween evening, it's in a way she never expected.Nate Halliway is being removed from the facility, but he refuses to go without his special forces team-mate, Giles. When his resistance lands him in Kelli's cell, they both get a chance for freedom, a chance they take with both hands.But as Giles, Nate and Kelli fight their way out, Kelli discovers that the most insidious danger to her freedom might lie within her, rather than in the small army out to stop them.Please Breaking Part I is a short story of 11,000 words and was originally included in the ENTANGLED Anthology, for which all proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and then late in 2014, in the ENTRANCED Box set. Neither anthology is available for sale any longer.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2011
77 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Diener
61 books1,919 followersMichelle Diener is a bestselling, award-winning author of historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Having worked in publishing and IT, she's now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters.
Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.
Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 28, 2020
.
It could be an awesome story, but there's just not much there.
It ends on a soft cliffhanger, but nothing is resolved other than their initial escape.
Kelli escapes from evil government bad dudes who have been experimenting on her for years. They will rue the day they lost control of her.
I tried the second book but it didn't grip me and it was kinda obvious where the plot was going.
Too bad. I just love this author's 'Class 5' series.
It could be an awesome story, but there's just not much there.
It ends on a soft cliffhanger, but nothing is resolved other than their initial escape.
Kelli escapes from evil government bad dudes who have been experimenting on her for years. They will rue the day they lost control of her.
I tried the second book but it didn't grip me and it was kinda obvious where the plot was going.
Too bad. I just love this author's 'Class 5' series.
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July 18, 2015Breaking Out: Part I started life as a short story entitled Breaking Out, which I wrote for inclusion in the ENTANGLED Anthology, a box set of short stories and novellas for which all proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I’m proud to say we raised over $12,000 for the BCRF with ENTANGLED.
After the anthology was taken down from sale, I was asked if I would include Breaking Out in the ENTRANCED box set, and it was great to have the story out again, although that anthology, too, is no longer available for sale.
I’m really happy to make the story available for sale at last outside of an anthology, and the impetus for it was the many readers of both anthologies who contacted me saying how much they loved it, and would I write more?
It motivated me to steal an hour here and an hour there while I was working under deadline for other projects to write Part II. And I think those readers will be happy to hear it’s double the length of Breaking Out: Part I.
Thank you for loving my characters as much as I do.
After the anthology was taken down from sale, I was asked if I would include Breaking Out in the ENTRANCED box set, and it was great to have the story out again, although that anthology, too, is no longer available for sale.
I’m really happy to make the story available for sale at last outside of an anthology, and the impetus for it was the many readers of both anthologies who contacted me saying how much they loved it, and would I write more?
It motivated me to steal an hour here and an hour there while I was working under deadline for other projects to write Part II. And I think those readers will be happy to hear it’s double the length of Breaking Out: Part I.
Thank you for loving my characters as much as I do.
October 30, 2025
Terrific novella
This is a wonderful paranormal romance with lots of exciting action-adventure. It has enough potential regarding the magical talents of the highly sympathetic FMC and MMC that this story would be delightful if it were expanded into an entire novel. But even as a novella, it is a very satisfying read.
Though this story does not end with a cliffhanger, a significant subcharacter becomes the MMC of its sequel.
This is a wonderful paranormal romance with lots of exciting action-adventure. It has enough potential regarding the magical talents of the highly sympathetic FMC and MMC that this story would be delightful if it were expanded into an entire novel. But even as a novella, it is a very satisfying read.
Though this story does not end with a cliffhanger, a significant subcharacter becomes the MMC of its sequel.
October 18, 2015
3 ½ stars. Good action story, but very short.
I liked the characters. I liked the action watching their escape from a medical-testing-prison-facility. The story ended at 56% of the Kindle count. The rest of the Kindle had excerpts from other books.
Three prisoners who escape have different psychic abilities. Kelli can move objects and people (telekinesis), Nate can heal himself and others. Giles reads thoughts.
This is a stand alone, but there is a sequel “Breaking Out: Part II.” The sequel is better if read after Part I. The Part I characters help prisoners in another facility escape. These stories do not get into the backgrounds of where the characters came from, how they became gifted, and how they became prisoners. We don’t learn about the bad guys. Both books have happy endings.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: Kindle count length 549. Swearing language: strong but not often used. Sexual content: none. Setting: current time possibly U.S. Copyright: 2011. Genre: paranormal action suspense.
I liked the characters. I liked the action watching their escape from a medical-testing-prison-facility. The story ended at 56% of the Kindle count. The rest of the Kindle had excerpts from other books.
Three prisoners who escape have different psychic abilities. Kelli can move objects and people (telekinesis), Nate can heal himself and others. Giles reads thoughts.
This is a stand alone, but there is a sequel “Breaking Out: Part II.” The sequel is better if read after Part I. The Part I characters help prisoners in another facility escape. These stories do not get into the backgrounds of where the characters came from, how they became gifted, and how they became prisoners. We don’t learn about the bad guys. Both books have happy endings.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: Kindle count length 549. Swearing language: strong but not often used. Sexual content: none. Setting: current time possibly U.S. Copyright: 2011. Genre: paranormal action suspense.
November 29, 2017
This was short but it definitely left me wanting more and I was glad to be able to jump into part 2.
September 17, 2025
**MEDIUM SPOILERS**
This series is comprised of a story and a novella.
In the story, Nate and Kel are introduced. They have been prisoners of a group who are trying to make super soldiers. An opportunity comes for an escape when Nate is being sent somewhere else without his friend, Giles. He begins to fight the guards just as he is passing Kel’s cell. Between the two of them, they subdue the guards and are able to grab Giles and escape.
The author does a great job at providing detail for the story and depth to the characters despite the short length.
Nate has the ability to heal himself and others. Kel is telekinetic. Giles can read minds (though he has limited success with Kel and enjoys being with her for that reason).
After they escape, Kel says that she is going to try to rescue all the people who were taken prisoner and were experimented on.
One thing that was not very clear in the story is why Nate did not seem to be able to heal Giles. Being around Kel helped him physically heal. Was it because she was able to block his mind reading abilities? Was that a drain on him physically?
I really like this author and I recommend her books. She has become an auto-buy for me.
This series is comprised of a story and a novella.
In the story, Nate and Kel are introduced. They have been prisoners of a group who are trying to make super soldiers. An opportunity comes for an escape when Nate is being sent somewhere else without his friend, Giles. He begins to fight the guards just as he is passing Kel’s cell. Between the two of them, they subdue the guards and are able to grab Giles and escape.
The author does a great job at providing detail for the story and depth to the characters despite the short length.
Nate has the ability to heal himself and others. Kel is telekinetic. Giles can read minds (though he has limited success with Kel and enjoys being with her for that reason).
After they escape, Kel says that she is going to try to rescue all the people who were taken prisoner and were experimented on.
One thing that was not very clear in the story is why Nate did not seem to be able to heal Giles. Being around Kel helped him physically heal. Was it because she was able to block his mind reading abilities? Was that a drain on him physically?
I really like this author and I recommend her books. She has become an auto-buy for me.
April 2, 2018
I first read Breaking Out Part 1 by Michelle Diener several years ago as part of an anthology. I loved it and hoped she would write more in the story. Well, to my delight, she then wrote Breaking Out Part 2! I just finished reading both of them and if you like paranormal stories, these are for you. They are shorter stories and can be read in just a couple of hours. The perfect time for a little getaway from reality.
Diener writes such unique stories that you get lost in quickly and Breaking Out Parts 1 and 2 are not different. We meet several "inmates" at a facility that are trying to, well, break out. They have enhanced abilities and are sick of being science projects. The characters are fascinating and the pace is quick and keeps you turning pages. If you are looking for an original, fast paced, paranormal romance story, give Breaking Out 1 and 2 a read.
Diener writes such unique stories that you get lost in quickly and Breaking Out Parts 1 and 2 are not different. We meet several "inmates" at a facility that are trying to, well, break out. They have enhanced abilities and are sick of being science projects. The characters are fascinating and the pace is quick and keeps you turning pages. If you are looking for an original, fast paced, paranormal romance story, give Breaking Out 1 and 2 a read.
July 6, 2017
A very intriguing novella that while being a complete story about the breakout leaves a myriad of unanswered questions. What are these people, who had locked them up, what had been done to them, etc? Hopefully part 2 will address some of these.
December 4, 2019
I understand this is "Part 1" but it felt more like a fourth of a book. The romance didn't built past acknowledgments of attraction. The action seemed to get as far as the premise of the story.
April 13, 2021
It was so short I didn't really get into it.
October 27, 2022
Good story but too short! I'm reading the next one, part 2!
May 23, 2023
Short but interesting
I kept thinking of early Dean Koontz while reading this. I am glad there is a part 2, because leaving it like this would have been disappointing
I kept thinking of early Dean Koontz while reading this. I am glad there is a part 2, because leaving it like this would have been disappointing
June 6, 2025
liked it
August 18, 2015
I absolutely loved this! It's a very short story, and I definitely wanted more, so I'm glad I can read the next book right after! So great! How this story started had me loving it right from the beginning! Kelli is held captive by some type of "doctor" because she has special abilities, and this whole book is her trying to escape out of the facility she's been held in for years. Nate is also being held captive, and is trying to escape as well, when he stumbles upon Kelli, and then they join up to escape, and save a friend of Nate's. The whole book is awesome! I love all the powers the characters have, and I love that they use them often, and the action scenes were really great; I was interested till the very end of this book, and I wanted to keep reading more, and to top it off there are some really kick-ass characters. Kelli is amazing, and I love her intelligence, and I love her power! Nate is super great too, and I love that he's a tough nice guy, and I love that he has the power he does because usually male characters don't have that power, and I think it fits nicely with his personality. Kelli and Nate have excellent chemistry together, and I'm really looking forward to reading more about how their relationship grows. I am really looking forward to the next book, and getting to know Giles more!
October 18, 2015
Breaking out Part 1 by Michelle Diener
Super Humans are awesome! And in this book you get three of them, three badass ones. You have a group made up of three people with very different super powers but they make the best Super Human group ever. Kel the heroine has the most incredible power of all time in my book. Nate and Giles are the heroes they have different powers but work together perfectly. Specially since they are ex-soldiers. They escape from the facility they are being held in. Kel thinks there are others like her there but soon discovers that she is one of the last three left in the facility. She doesn’t know what they have done to her but she will find out. The action in this book id off the hook. The way Nate and Giles work together as a team. Kel and her powers abilities blow your mind. I love the way she is the center of all this power. Nothing better than a woman with so much power she doesn't know she possesses. Nate is a bit of a mega - alpha but I like how Kel can make him calm in a way. He is the perfect balance for her and her uncontrollable powers. Giles is the funniest in this book. He makes light of almost every situation and I like him. I cant wait to start book two and find out what Kel discovers about her powers and other like her. Will Nate be there for her and help her take control? I cant wait…
BUY NOW : http://amzn.to/1PrqKVk
Super Humans are awesome! And in this book you get three of them, three badass ones. You have a group made up of three people with very different super powers but they make the best Super Human group ever. Kel the heroine has the most incredible power of all time in my book. Nate and Giles are the heroes they have different powers but work together perfectly. Specially since they are ex-soldiers. They escape from the facility they are being held in. Kel thinks there are others like her there but soon discovers that she is one of the last three left in the facility. She doesn’t know what they have done to her but she will find out. The action in this book id off the hook. The way Nate and Giles work together as a team. Kel and her powers abilities blow your mind. I love the way she is the center of all this power. Nothing better than a woman with so much power she doesn't know she possesses. Nate is a bit of a mega - alpha but I like how Kel can make him calm in a way. He is the perfect balance for her and her uncontrollable powers. Giles is the funniest in this book. He makes light of almost every situation and I like him. I cant wait to start book two and find out what Kel discovers about her powers and other like her. Will Nate be there for her and help her take control? I cant wait…
BUY NOW : http://amzn.to/1PrqKVk
July 28, 2015
If you are a fan of the X - Men then you will really enjoy these books, I am saying these because after reading this you will want to read book 2, I am going to write my review based on both books.
Breaking Out Book 1
We meet Kelli Barrack, Nate Halliway and Giles. Each of them has their own set of special skills / ability. And they are being held against their will at some type of clinic were they perform experiments on them to get to the base of their ability and how they can use them to exploit them and their "talent". Kelli has been held for what seems to be the longest at 3 years, she has been plotting her break out for a long time, and on Halloween Night, Kelli is ready to go through with her plan, but sometimes even the best thought out plans get a glitch, and Now Kelli and Nate and Giles are all on the run together, keeping each other safe. We have a front seat to see these people begin to trust in each other, fall in love, and you are routing for them to be safe, and find more like them. I was praying through the book that they wouldn't get caught, every page was a fear are they going to get caught, is the Dr getting closer. Kept me on the edge of my seat.
Breaking Out Book 1
We meet Kelli Barrack, Nate Halliway and Giles. Each of them has their own set of special skills / ability. And they are being held against their will at some type of clinic were they perform experiments on them to get to the base of their ability and how they can use them to exploit them and their "talent". Kelli has been held for what seems to be the longest at 3 years, she has been plotting her break out for a long time, and on Halloween Night, Kelli is ready to go through with her plan, but sometimes even the best thought out plans get a glitch, and Now Kelli and Nate and Giles are all on the run together, keeping each other safe. We have a front seat to see these people begin to trust in each other, fall in love, and you are routing for them to be safe, and find more like them. I was praying through the book that they wouldn't get caught, every page was a fear are they going to get caught, is the Dr getting closer. Kept me on the edge of my seat.
July 30, 2015
"I just want to tell you something."
While Breaking Out was a paranormal story and I'm more used to Michelle Diener's historical and fantasy books, I ended up really liking the story. I like both Kell's point of view as well as Nate's. The story revolved more about Kel who was one asskicking lady surrounded by some mystery. Nate was a great character as well. I loved how fiercely protective he was about Kel. To make the story complete there was also Giles and I loved him right away. He was pretty hilarious It was funny to see how even though they had to escape, he and Nate could still be annoyed with each other while vying for Kel's attention. Throw in some bad guys, wanting to capture Kel again made this story really good. I wished it was a full story. I would love to find out more about Kel and the others and what might could happen to them on their next adventure. I think fans of Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress and Kelley Armstrong's The Darkest Powers series would love this story!
While Breaking Out was a paranormal story and I'm more used to Michelle Diener's historical and fantasy books, I ended up really liking the story. I like both Kell's point of view as well as Nate's. The story revolved more about Kel who was one asskicking lady surrounded by some mystery. Nate was a great character as well. I loved how fiercely protective he was about Kel. To make the story complete there was also Giles and I loved him right away. He was pretty hilarious It was funny to see how even though they had to escape, he and Nate could still be annoyed with each other while vying for Kel's attention. Throw in some bad guys, wanting to capture Kel again made this story really good. I wished it was a full story. I would love to find out more about Kel and the others and what might could happen to them on their next adventure. I think fans of Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress and Kelley Armstrong's The Darkest Powers series would love this story!
August 5, 2015
Breaking Out: Part 1 is a short story that feels like X-Men. (I'm a fan of X-Men... so this works!) Kelli, Nate, and Giles have special abilities that good ol' Doctor Greenway is putting to the test. He keeps them locked in cells as if they were prisoners. In a way they are, but individually they are biding their time before they can escape. But Kelli is kept to herself and Giles's health isn't the greatest. Once the three of them get together... it's pretty hard to stop them. This such a quick read that I didn't notice when I reached the end! I quite enjoyed this!!
September 23, 2015
You can tell I really like an author when I try their short stories. This was less of a short story and more the first installment in a serial. On the one hand, that's great --- Part I was excellent! On the other hand, that's a shame --- I'm reading book 2 now and suspect there are many more parts of the story not yet written, so I'll be left on a cliffhanger. We'll see....
May 17, 2025
Breaking out
I absolutely loved these two books and the characters were well thought out. Their powers were fascinating and they seemed to fit each one perfectly. I would really love to see more in this series. I read both books and have been awaiting more. I would highly recommend both books.
I absolutely loved these two books and the characters were well thought out. Their powers were fascinating and they seemed to fit each one perfectly. I would really love to see more in this series. I read both books and have been awaiting more. I would highly recommend both books.
December 7, 2021
Good but very short
It's a good introduction - good world building and character development but I wish there was more. I'll read part II now but I expect it will be just as short.
Re-read Dec 2021.
Same as above. Great world building and interesting characters but super short. Looking forward to more.
It's a good introduction - good world building and character development but I wish there was more. I'll read part II now but I expect it will be just as short.
Re-read Dec 2021.
Same as above. Great world building and interesting characters but super short. Looking forward to more.
January 15, 2016
This very much reminded me of the show Dark Angel, I think the cover showing a couple is misleading, while there is a growing romance it's not a romance novel, the romance is merely a backdrop to the drama
January 18, 2016
A serial
This is the start to a serial where government labs are doing experiments. However 3 escape and this is the journey. I would have preferred more on the couple considering how short this was.
This is the start to a serial where government labs are doing experiments. However 3 escape and this is the journey. I would have preferred more on the couple considering how short this was.
July 26, 2015
I read this in Entangled anthology in 2011 and in the Entranced anthology after that, but now at long last Diener has revisited this world and part two is finally out
September 16, 2015
Lots of sizzle, but no time for steak, this short left me wanting more.
October 18, 2016
Good read for a novelette.
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February 20, 2016A very short story with intriguing possibilities. But really too short for a clear rating.
April 12, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews