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No Way Out
Wyatt Findley is an up-and-coming artist, attending a prestigious art institute in St. Louis. His mentor, Lukas Callahan, has snagged a sweet house-sitting job for him in a gorgeous home in a well-to-do part of town. Wyatt can’t help but notice two men who live just across the street. They make an odd couple, since there must be a good twenty years difference between them. And yet there is something about the younger man that calls to Wyatt. Shylor Lind has been living with Randy Grant for fifteen years, ever since Grant hired Shy’s mother as his live-in housekeeper. But five years ago, their relationship changed when Shy’s mother sold him to Grant and took the money and ran. Since then, Randy has been training Shy to be his submissive, dominating him in every way. There is nothing Shy can do about the situation, and he has nowhere to go, no one to turn to. And then Wyatt enters his life… and nothing will ever be the same, as Wyatt engages in a battle for Shy’s very soul. The author is donating 10% of the royalties from this book to No Kid Hungry. Visit
- GenresM M RomanceBDSM
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
5 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Julie Lynn Hayes
78 books102 followersJulie Lynn Hayes was born and raised in St Louis, Missouri, and still calls that city home. She first began to write over fifty years ago, and doesn’t see that stopping anytime soon. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to see what is possible. When someone tells her something can’t be done, she feels compelled to do it. Much of her writing is in the m/m romance category.
When she isn’t writing, or working at her day job with a third party elevator inspection company, she enjoys crafts, such as cross stitch and crochet, and watching her favorite programs. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian, and her favorite historical character is Aaron Burr—she is obsessed with all things Hamilton! Never say never is her motto!
You can contact Julie at tothemax.wolf@gmail.com.
When she isn’t writing, or working at her day job with a third party elevator inspection company, she enjoys crafts, such as cross stitch and crochet, and watching her favorite programs. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian, and her favorite historical character is Aaron Burr—she is obsessed with all things Hamilton! Never say never is her motto!
You can contact Julie at tothemax.wolf@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 29, 2018
4 Stars
This book was kind of messed up. Don’t get me wrong though…
This book was an interesting read, good overall, and written really well. I am glad to have read it. But, I guess I was just not really expecting it to be as harsh and brash as it was. Some of this book was hard to read since you instantly fall in love with Shy and just want the best for him. But having to hear every horrible thing he goes through to in order to get his HEA is kind of heartbreaking.
There is not really any BDSM in this book. At All. There are also mentions of rape and slavery, one character buying and “owning” the other. There was definitely mentally and physically abusive and controlling behavior talked about (but not really on page) that the character Grant deals out onto Shylor continuously for years before Wyatt enters the picture and tries to bring Shylor out of his shell in order to save him from all the torture and horrible treatment Grant put him through. Grant is not a Dom in any sense of that word, whether he liked to think that of himself or not. He is an abusive jerk who very obviously took advantage of a young boy and kept him trapped in that life for years. I am ashamed at some of the secondary and minor characters in this book who obviously saw a young man being abused (calling it a BDSM D/s relationship) and not doing anything to actually make sure the Sub was okay especially in a club type venue.
But… Anyhow…
Enter Wyatt. He is drawn to Shylor from the minute he sees him. Something in Wyatt just won’t let him get Shy out of his mind, and I am so glad they had that instant connection. Every step Shylor took away from Grant and toward Wyatt seemed like a struggle. I was happy that Shy felt that same pull of chemistry between the two and was able to get out of his shell and mindset to finally get out of the hell he was thrust into. Shylor was adorable and timidly shy and still seemingly innocent even after everything he had gone through in the years of being stuck with Grant.
I was instantly enamored with Shy and my heart hurt with every horrible action that happened to him. Wyatt had an interesting personality that kept me intrigued as to what he would do next. I didn’t quite know what to think of him, at times he was oblivious to the situations around him, but then he becomes all-knowing as to what he needed to do. But I did like the characters and setting and how this book was laid out. I think if you like some angsty hard to read at times, hurt/comfort books, this will be right up your alley. I am also hoping that we get another book that at least has Wyatt and Shylor as secondary characters so we can see them as they are further along in their relationship since this book didn't really have a concrete ending feel to it. And finally, I hope that Grant disappears into some form of hell never to been seen or heard from again.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This book was kind of messed up. Don’t get me wrong though…
This book was an interesting read, good overall, and written really well. I am glad to have read it. But, I guess I was just not really expecting it to be as harsh and brash as it was. Some of this book was hard to read since you instantly fall in love with Shy and just want the best for him. But having to hear every horrible thing he goes through to in order to get his HEA is kind of heartbreaking.
There is not really any BDSM in this book. At All. There are also mentions of rape and slavery, one character buying and “owning” the other. There was definitely mentally and physically abusive and controlling behavior talked about (but not really on page) that the character Grant deals out onto Shylor continuously for years before Wyatt enters the picture and tries to bring Shylor out of his shell in order to save him from all the torture and horrible treatment Grant put him through. Grant is not a Dom in any sense of that word, whether he liked to think that of himself or not. He is an abusive jerk who very obviously took advantage of a young boy and kept him trapped in that life for years. I am ashamed at some of the secondary and minor characters in this book who obviously saw a young man being abused (calling it a BDSM D/s relationship) and not doing anything to actually make sure the Sub was okay especially in a club type venue.
But… Anyhow…
Enter Wyatt. He is drawn to Shylor from the minute he sees him. Something in Wyatt just won’t let him get Shy out of his mind, and I am so glad they had that instant connection. Every step Shylor took away from Grant and toward Wyatt seemed like a struggle. I was happy that Shy felt that same pull of chemistry between the two and was able to get out of his shell and mindset to finally get out of the hell he was thrust into. Shylor was adorable and timidly shy and still seemingly innocent even after everything he had gone through in the years of being stuck with Grant.
I was instantly enamored with Shy and my heart hurt with every horrible action that happened to him. Wyatt had an interesting personality that kept me intrigued as to what he would do next. I didn’t quite know what to think of him, at times he was oblivious to the situations around him, but then he becomes all-knowing as to what he needed to do. But I did like the characters and setting and how this book was laid out. I think if you like some angsty hard to read at times, hurt/comfort books, this will be right up your alley. I am also hoping that we get another book that at least has Wyatt and Shylor as secondary characters so we can see them as they are further along in their relationship since this book didn't really have a concrete ending feel to it. And finally, I hope that Grant disappears into some form of hell never to been seen or heard from again.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 3, 2018
First.... what an amazing cover!!!
Living under the scrutinizing eyes of Randy, Shy has to be utterly concentrated with his behavior, he can’t slip because it would end badly... very badly.
Deprived of everything that made him a free living, thinking human; Shy is being held as Randy’s slave for the past five years. He’s been dominated, indoctrinated, and hurt by a man who only loves himself.
Wyatt an upcoming artist is house sitting for a friend and notices there is an odd couple living across the street. Wyatt is drawn to the beautiful boy, who is cleaning an already perfectly clean car.
The older man behind the boy is rude and the younger man has to retreat back into their house. There is something terribly wrong.
This is what I call a hurtful read and I loved it. It did things to my heart and stomach.
It’s a heartbreaking and nauseating story and at moments I had the need to scream because it was quite frustrating to see someone so desperate and hopeless.
Shy is numb and the author did an amazing job how this was done. His mind was conditioned by Randy and that same mind saw a ray of light in Wyatt.
It was a good, solid written story, convincing and fascinating. It was consistent throughout the story. The whole plot was really well done, just my kind of story!
When you aren’t easily put off by hurt and discomfort this read is for you!
Read and Reviewed for Diverse Reader
Living under the scrutinizing eyes of Randy, Shy has to be utterly concentrated with his behavior, he can’t slip because it would end badly... very badly.
Deprived of everything that made him a free living, thinking human; Shy is being held as Randy’s slave for the past five years. He’s been dominated, indoctrinated, and hurt by a man who only loves himself.
Wyatt an upcoming artist is house sitting for a friend and notices there is an odd couple living across the street. Wyatt is drawn to the beautiful boy, who is cleaning an already perfectly clean car.
The older man behind the boy is rude and the younger man has to retreat back into their house. There is something terribly wrong.
This is what I call a hurtful read and I loved it. It did things to my heart and stomach.
It’s a heartbreaking and nauseating story and at moments I had the need to scream because it was quite frustrating to see someone so desperate and hopeless.
Shy is numb and the author did an amazing job how this was done. His mind was conditioned by Randy and that same mind saw a ray of light in Wyatt.
It was a good, solid written story, convincing and fascinating. It was consistent throughout the story. The whole plot was really well done, just my kind of story!
When you aren’t easily put off by hurt and discomfort this read is for you!
Read and Reviewed for Diverse Reader
August 6, 2018
No Way Out by Julie Lynn Hayes
3.5 stars
M/M BDSM Romance
Triggers: Slavery (not the BDSM kind), rape, abuse
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This book is not for someone who is easily offended by controlling people. While there are some redeemers in this story, it is, for the most part, watching someone be horribly abused. You have been warned.
Randy owns Shylor (Shy). There is no nice way to phrase that. He bought Shy and since then, Shy has only known one way of living... surviving. He is in constant fear and knows that even though his owner tricks everyone else, the true Randy behind closed doors. This Randy is cruel and controlling, wicked and evil. But, with nobody else in his life, Shy has nobody else to turn to.
When Wyatt sees the odd couple outside, he notices that Shy has been doing the same task for quite some time. He wonders to himself why that would be. When he wanders over there, Shy's demeanor calls to him. He knows that something isn't quite right, but can't put his finger on it.
The kindness in this story shown by Wyatt was monumental to Shy. Shy has never experienced being asked what he wants or his opinion on anything. He has never been given a choice of whether or not to accept physical touch and never been given affection. Wyatt vows to protect Shy and when an opportunity presents itself, Wyatt knows that despite being told not to fall for Shy, he can't help himself.
I wish that this story had more about the secondary character's actions and Shy's ability to climb out of the hole his life had been. Instead, this is more about watching Wyatt tease Shy's personality from it's shell. There are very obvious abuse scenarios, but you never quite see the abuse. Overall, this is about finding and standing up for someone who might not be able to do so for themselves. It also hints that perhaps there might be more to it - is Randy truly gone? Who knows. But I do hope that we get to see Wyatt and Shy more in a different book - perhaps one with a secondary character taking the lead.
3.5 stars
M/M BDSM Romance
Triggers: Slavery (not the BDSM kind), rape, abuse
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This book is not for someone who is easily offended by controlling people. While there are some redeemers in this story, it is, for the most part, watching someone be horribly abused. You have been warned.
Randy owns Shylor (Shy). There is no nice way to phrase that. He bought Shy and since then, Shy has only known one way of living... surviving. He is in constant fear and knows that even though his owner tricks everyone else, the true Randy behind closed doors. This Randy is cruel and controlling, wicked and evil. But, with nobody else in his life, Shy has nobody else to turn to.
When Wyatt sees the odd couple outside, he notices that Shy has been doing the same task for quite some time. He wonders to himself why that would be. When he wanders over there, Shy's demeanor calls to him. He knows that something isn't quite right, but can't put his finger on it.
The kindness in this story shown by Wyatt was monumental to Shy. Shy has never experienced being asked what he wants or his opinion on anything. He has never been given a choice of whether or not to accept physical touch and never been given affection. Wyatt vows to protect Shy and when an opportunity presents itself, Wyatt knows that despite being told not to fall for Shy, he can't help himself.
I wish that this story had more about the secondary character's actions and Shy's ability to climb out of the hole his life had been. Instead, this is more about watching Wyatt tease Shy's personality from it's shell. There are very obvious abuse scenarios, but you never quite see the abuse. Overall, this is about finding and standing up for someone who might not be able to do so for themselves. It also hints that perhaps there might be more to it - is Randy truly gone? Who knows. But I do hope that we get to see Wyatt and Shy more in a different book - perhaps one with a secondary character taking the lead.
August 31, 2018
I did not read the book, but from the blurb it is clear an abuse situation is being twisted to be bdsm.
Being into bdsm myself this is a difficult issue for me.
The 1 main difference between bdsm and abuse is consent.
If you are being sold to be held captive, you are not a submissive. Your are victim of severe abuse.
A submissive does want to submit, of free will. The use of the word submissive in this blurb discredits the world of bdsm where it is often hard to explain to outsiders already.
Being into bdsm myself this is a difficult issue for me.
The 1 main difference between bdsm and abuse is consent.
If you are being sold to be held captive, you are not a submissive. Your are victim of severe abuse.
A submissive does want to submit, of free will. The use of the word submissive in this blurb discredits the world of bdsm where it is often hard to explain to outsiders already.
August 22, 2018
The first thing about this book that got my attention was the cover. So dark and beautiful and with a touch of light that shows a bit of hope among that darkness. It represents perfectly the book. I was as attracted by the book as I was by its cover.
I had some great moments with it. What I liked the most about the book was Shy and everything about him. The way he think. The way he act seem realistic enough. I loved that the book debate about the limits of what can and can’t be consider BDSM. I think that was very important to be left clear. I loved seeing both point of view, mostly because I think seeing things only from Shy’s might be too emotionally charge, and there were moments when a little break was needed to bring a little hope into the story.
What I didn’t liked about it were a few things. First was Wyatt attitude sometimes. He seem so inappropriate from moments that he was just frustrating. I had a hard time with him and with his relationship with Shy. It took me a while to get to a place where I care for him. Another thing that was an issue for me was that the book was slow paced for most it, which seem appropriate, but at the last chapters everything seem a little bit too rushed, even Shy’s personality was too different in too short time, and of course I wanted Shy to be happy, but sometimes things were too fast to seem believable.
Overall it was a very interesting book. It is not BDSM, even if it’s tag under that category. It is about abuse, so beware it might contain situations that might be triggering for some readers. That being said, I think reader who like hurt/comfort would find a great read in this one.
I had some great moments with it. What I liked the most about the book was Shy and everything about him. The way he think. The way he act seem realistic enough. I loved that the book debate about the limits of what can and can’t be consider BDSM. I think that was very important to be left clear. I loved seeing both point of view, mostly because I think seeing things only from Shy’s might be too emotionally charge, and there were moments when a little break was needed to bring a little hope into the story.
What I didn’t liked about it were a few things. First was Wyatt attitude sometimes. He seem so inappropriate from moments that he was just frustrating. I had a hard time with him and with his relationship with Shy. It took me a while to get to a place where I care for him. Another thing that was an issue for me was that the book was slow paced for most it, which seem appropriate, but at the last chapters everything seem a little bit too rushed, even Shy’s personality was too different in too short time, and of course I wanted Shy to be happy, but sometimes things were too fast to seem believable.
Overall it was a very interesting book. It is not BDSM, even if it’s tag under that category. It is about abuse, so beware it might contain situations that might be triggering for some readers. That being said, I think reader who like hurt/comfort would find a great read in this one.
August 31, 2018
Unfortunately this book was not for me so I was unable to finish it. I found the villain, Randy, to be quite cartoonish to start with. He was petulant and childish. While I am not into BDSM I have read many books about it and have taken the time to educate myself and that is not what was going on with Randy and Shy. Their situation was abusive full stop. Shy was not a submissive, he was a rape victim. Randy was not a dominant he was a rapist. Which would have been fine if that was where the story was going, but what really got to me was Lukas, who is in the lifestyle, knew what was going on between Randy and Shy but said and did nothing about it. And he presumably knew from when it started...when Shy was fifteen. People who live a BDSM lifestyle take it very seriously and for someone to ignore what was happening and even tell Wyatt that it basically wasn’t his business and it was Shy’s choice I find unbelievable. Lukas would have known this was not a lifestyle choice but did nothing.
Then we have Wyatt and Shy who fell in love in a very short space of time. I don’t mind insta-love but when it involves a young man abused all his life and raped from the age of fifteen I think it would have been more realistic if it ended with them heading towards love rather than the I love you maybe a few days into things. I think the book would have worked better if the entire suggestion of BDSM was left out of it.
Then we have Wyatt and Shy who fell in love in a very short space of time. I don’t mind insta-love but when it involves a young man abused all his life and raped from the age of fifteen I think it would have been more realistic if it ended with them heading towards love rather than the I love you maybe a few days into things. I think the book would have worked better if the entire suggestion of BDSM was left out of it.
August 31, 2018
3.5 stars - This one grabbed me, from the cover to the blurb. It doesn’t take long for the gist of the story to be told – Shylor “Shy” was “sold” to Randy by his mother. Thankfully, it wasn’t until Shy was a teenager before Randy actually took notice, though that’s a small blessing. Randy considered himself a dom, but many in the community made sure to point out that they didn’t consider him to be one of them, as he blatantly abused Shy and didn’t care one bit for anyone but himself. I liked that this distinction was made, however, it seemed a little odd that while most felt he was abusive and that Shy wasn’t fully consenting, they did nothing about it.
Wyatt is one guy who saw something not right and didn’t hesitate to check things out. A closer inspection had him questioning things even further. Here’s where this story sort of took a different direction than I was expecting/hoping. Wyatt was really sweet and insistent that Shy needed help. When he was actually able to make contact with Shy, he spent his time trying to make him comfortable enough with him to see how things could be different. However, it seemed so obvious to me, and apparently not to Wyatt, that Shy was in a situation that he was terrified to get out of. While he wanted to get out, he was so afraid of the repercussions of getting caught that it prevented him from making any moves on his own.
There were quite a few aspects of this story that felt a bit too unbelievable keeping me from really enjoying it. I liked Shylor, but for someone who was basically brainwashed from being held as someone’s slave, aside from his fear of Randy, his actions just didn’t add up. For him to have experienced nothing more than what amounts to rape for the entirety of his sex life, I really had a hard time believing he would just come out and ask Wyatt to make love to him. There were some other niggles similar to this one, but suffice to say, they added up and made it difficult for me to think of this as a serious story. Perhaps it wasn’t meant to be that, and I set my expectations too high.
The pacing was rather slow for most of the story, but after Wyatt gets Shy away from Randy (way too easily in my opinion), things happen rather quickly. There isn’t really any fight from Randy, which I would have expected of someone who had so much time invested in his “property.”
However, it was a sweet story that I think those who enjoy a good hurt/comfort story with a happy ending will really enjoy. While Shy is basically a slave who has grown up used and abused, most of it takes place off page. So, while it didn’t totally work for me, I would definitely recommend it for those looking for something on the not-so-heavy side that will warm their hearts.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
August 28, 2018
I almost passed this one up because the cover was so dark I could barely make the images out. The blurb, however, hooked me and I am glad I took the chance.
Since I don't give half stars I am rounding up to a four mainly because of the beautiful way this story is handled.
Warning: This story is about slavery. not really BDSM consensual, one person likes it slavery but A young man that has lived in a house since he was 5, sold by his mother at fifteen and known nothing else. He was homeschooled and not let out unless with Randy so he has no friends and no one knows him but the other men in the club they go to. Shylar lives in fear of not pleasing Randy or having to take the brunt of anything that upsets him. Here is what I liked, though we know Shylar is abused and every time we see the storm in Randy's eyes I would flinch... yet the actual punishments were off the page, though we know that Shylar endured a lot.
Wyatt was ok as a character. I love that he saw something, checked it out, couldn't quit thinking something was just wrong and kept going after it. There are few characters in the story and it is short and to the point.
I do wish the end had been a bit more. I will say it's at least a happy for now. I would have liked to see more justice since what Randy was doing was illegal as h#@! but hey maybe we will get another story. I'd be up for it and I would love to see Lukas get a story. (HInt, HInt)
Since I don't give half stars I am rounding up to a four mainly because of the beautiful way this story is handled.
Warning: This story is about slavery. not really BDSM consensual, one person likes it slavery but A young man that has lived in a house since he was 5, sold by his mother at fifteen and known nothing else. He was homeschooled and not let out unless with Randy so he has no friends and no one knows him but the other men in the club they go to. Shylar lives in fear of not pleasing Randy or having to take the brunt of anything that upsets him. Here is what I liked, though we know Shylar is abused and every time we see the storm in Randy's eyes I would flinch... yet the actual punishments were off the page, though we know that Shylar endured a lot.
Wyatt was ok as a character. I love that he saw something, checked it out, couldn't quit thinking something was just wrong and kept going after it. There are few characters in the story and it is short and to the point.
I do wish the end had been a bit more. I will say it's at least a happy for now. I would have liked to see more justice since what Randy was doing was illegal as h#@! but hey maybe we will get another story. I'd be up for it and I would love to see Lukas get a story. (HInt, HInt)
September 3, 2018
Not really a BDSM book, more a warning about how that world can be twisted and warped into something evil and ugly. Shy was a beautiful soul and Wyatt kind and almost too good to be true. I loved when he called out his mentor and gave him what for sticking up for the abused young man he was beginning to love.
August 29, 2018
Review to be posted.
November 28, 2018
I love a good story about an abused man needing rescue. Perfect :)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews