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No Way Out
Worried about her favorite second-grade student, the mayor's son Brian, teacher Julia Talbot attempts to uncover the truth, despite the interference of the child's powerful uncle, venture capitalist Connor Stratford, a man desperate to hide the high-profile political family's secrets. Reissue.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
23 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Kane
48 books834 followersComing in March 2019 from Andrea Kane: DEAD IN A WEEK.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 25, 2021
Julia es una maestra psicóloga dedicada a sus estudiantes y al bienestar de ellos. Entre sus alumnos favoritos está Brian, un niño alegre que disfruta ser lanzador de béisbol al igual que la maestra en su infancia.
En cierto momento el niño se encuentra amenazado por los problemas políticos de su padre y Julia intenta salvar del peligro al menor.
Por otro lado tenemos a Connor, tío de Brian, quien pasa una temporada en la ciudad para ayudar a su hermano con sus problemas. Connor y Julia empiezan a tratarse y a la vez inicia una atracción de la que no pueden escapar.
El libro en general me gustó mucho. La autora escribe muy bien y atrapa desde el principio. La historia es una mezcla de romance con suspenso, donde entiendo que prevalece más el el segundo. Aun así, no fue algo que me molestara porque lo disfruté.
En cierto momento el niño se encuentra amenazado por los problemas políticos de su padre y Julia intenta salvar del peligro al menor.
Por otro lado tenemos a Connor, tío de Brian, quien pasa una temporada en la ciudad para ayudar a su hermano con sus problemas. Connor y Julia empiezan a tratarse y a la vez inicia una atracción de la que no pueden escapar.
El libro en general me gustó mucho. La autora escribe muy bien y atrapa desde el principio. La historia es una mezcla de romance con suspenso, donde entiendo que prevalece más el el segundo. Aun así, no fue algo que me molestara porque lo disfruté.
February 20, 2021
The h’s obsession/care for her one specific student was a bit too much in my opinion, yes, teachers do notice but there is a protocol and teachers don’t dig into the privacy of the family as this h was doing. So that was a bit unbelievable and far fetched. But I enjoyed this story, the emphasis on the kid Brian was a bit too much though and even though I love kids, I found discrepancies in this novel.
The H and h’s relationship wasn’t the focus of the novel, but the whole political campaign and the marriage of the secondary characters were emphasised, I felt like I was reading their story instead of the H and h’s.
Safety: it is safe, H is h’s only lover. No mention of H’s sexual past, no other women. One om but he was not a big of a deal.
The H and h’s relationship wasn’t the focus of the novel, but the whole political campaign and the marriage of the secondary characters were emphasised, I felt like I was reading their story instead of the H and h’s.
Safety: it is safe, H is h’s only lover. No mention of H’s sexual past, no other women. One om but he was not a big of a deal.
December 17, 2011
Another great AK read, though it did drag a little in the first 20 chapters or so, and the initial reason for the story (the concern for the well-being of a little boy) got on a little too long. Once that “connection” was made, it would’ve been better to go on to the romantic suspense part of the story, instead of the continued psychoanalysis of the kid, who, in my opinion, was just a tad too spoiled and resenting not being at the center of attention anymore.
Okay, let’s thrust that issue aside, and concentrate on the rest of the novel. Yes, the pacing was a bit wobbly, and it could’ve been a couple of chapters shorter, since things got a bit repetitive overtime, but overall, it was a great story. Intriguing and sexy, and even rather suspenseful in the last couple of chapters. And once again, AK did a great job at blending the romance into the story, so it didn’t stand out, and it wasn’t pushed into the background.
And I absolutely loved the hero, though there was some doubt as to his motives at the beginning, but once he got involved, he got “involved” and there was no ulterior motive to his actions and words...Not that the heroine wanted to believe that.
And that’s another little hiccup for me - the heroine. I just didn’t understand her at first (and even later, when she actually turned out to be human and likeable, I still didn’t get her initial behavior) - her idealism got on my nerves, her head-in-the-sand routine was annoying...And I just didn’t understand what made her tick - I still don’t, but once she got over her hang-ups, she grew on me.
Beside the romance and the suspense, this was also a good little insight into the life in the public eye and the pressures parents put on their children - and the result of that pressure on children not strong enough to handle it.
Though everything could’ve been resolved with an honest talk, everybody kept a tight lid on the truth, creating rather unnecessary tension and conflict, turning the heroine into a busybody, and prolonging the before-mentioned psychoanalysis of the kid, that though it started the story, really wasn’t the gist of it, though some might think it was thanks to pages and pages of focus.
I just realize I’m rambling, so I’ll finish in a concise manner. It could’ve been better, but it was still better than many books that pass for romantic suspense out there. It actually had a plot. And it was a pretty tight one. It circled a lot, but it got the job done. Loved it.
Okay, let’s thrust that issue aside, and concentrate on the rest of the novel. Yes, the pacing was a bit wobbly, and it could’ve been a couple of chapters shorter, since things got a bit repetitive overtime, but overall, it was a great story. Intriguing and sexy, and even rather suspenseful in the last couple of chapters. And once again, AK did a great job at blending the romance into the story, so it didn’t stand out, and it wasn’t pushed into the background.
And I absolutely loved the hero, though there was some doubt as to his motives at the beginning, but once he got involved, he got “involved” and there was no ulterior motive to his actions and words...Not that the heroine wanted to believe that.
And that’s another little hiccup for me - the heroine. I just didn’t understand her at first (and even later, when she actually turned out to be human and likeable, I still didn’t get her initial behavior) - her idealism got on my nerves, her head-in-the-sand routine was annoying...And I just didn’t understand what made her tick - I still don’t, but once she got over her hang-ups, she grew on me.
Beside the romance and the suspense, this was also a good little insight into the life in the public eye and the pressures parents put on their children - and the result of that pressure on children not strong enough to handle it.
Though everything could’ve been resolved with an honest talk, everybody kept a tight lid on the truth, creating rather unnecessary tension and conflict, turning the heroine into a busybody, and prolonging the before-mentioned psychoanalysis of the kid, that though it started the story, really wasn’t the gist of it, though some might think it was thanks to pages and pages of focus.
I just realize I’m rambling, so I’ll finish in a concise manner. It could’ve been better, but it was still better than many books that pass for romantic suspense out there. It actually had a plot. And it was a pretty tight one. It circled a lot, but it got the job done. Loved it.
August 25, 2020
The Drama and political shenanigans (extortion, kidnapping, attempted murder, etc) made for a very fun read. The romance was not my cup of tea to put it kindly. This is because:
1. Julia and Connor have 0 chemistry
2. Julia and Connor have very little relationship development between I'm intrigued by you and
1. Julia and Connor have 0 chemistry
2. Julia and Connor have very little relationship development between I'm intrigued by you and
June 1, 2025
This was really good! I loved the twists and turns. The characters were really good as well and I loved the HEA at the end.
June 28, 2020
Julia Talbot is the teacher of second grader Brian, the son of a local politician. When he comes to school depressed adn not himself, Julia calls home to get to the root of the problem. But this sets off the family protective instincts and Brian's dad sics his very powerful, successful and sexy brother on Julia to stop her digging any further and to seduce her into compliance. Connor is more than happy to do so, since he's very attracted to Julia. But while trying to silence Julia about Brian's unusual behavior, Brian is abducted. Now she and Connor work together to figure out the reason for Brian's disappearance and who could be responsible, falling further into lust and love along the way.
First off, as a teacher, wow. Talk about a dedicated teacher! Our heroine is calling home to parents as soon as little Brian shows just a little bit of depression. And she's willing to argue with the uncle about it. It did feel like she was crossing boundaries by investigating rather than just a comment that, "Brian seemed a bit down today." And it's not the teachers job to investigate the family anyway...that's what social workers are for. Still, suspending disbelief, this is a fun story. It's relatively fast-paced and exciting. The romance aspect of this is pretty good too - lot of chemistry between these two but I don't like how he starts out simply trying to distract her...it feels like he approaches it dishonestly. And she sees it that way too when she finds out, but eventually things get worked out as they always must.
First off, as a teacher, wow. Talk about a dedicated teacher! Our heroine is calling home to parents as soon as little Brian shows just a little bit of depression. And she's willing to argue with the uncle about it. It did feel like she was crossing boundaries by investigating rather than just a comment that, "Brian seemed a bit down today." And it's not the teachers job to investigate the family anyway...that's what social workers are for. Still, suspending disbelief, this is a fun story. It's relatively fast-paced and exciting. The romance aspect of this is pretty good too - lot of chemistry between these two but I don't like how he starts out simply trying to distract her...it feels like he approaches it dishonestly. And she sees it that way too when she finds out, but eventually things get worked out as they always must.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 5, 2023This book made absolutely no sense to me. I found my attention wandering off and couldn't focus on the story.
July 24, 2017
Julia Talbot has noticed the sudden change in one of her pupil's behavior. Little Brian Stratford is completely different from the whirlwind boy she knows and loves. He's withdrawn, quiet, and yes, a little depressed, and Julia knows it has something to do with his home life. Especially now, that his father, the mayor, is running for state senator.
Julia is right, but even she doesn't know the extent of trouble, that's plaguing the Stratford family. And Brian's uncle, venture capitalist, Connor Stratford, is willing to do pretty much anything to stop her from snooping any further. Yet, he never counted with the chemistry between them, or the fact, she is the only one outside the immediate family, he'd be willing to tell the whole truth, and trust her with keeping the family's secrets.
This book is a perfect example of time making the heart grow fonder, because I appreciated this book much, much more than six years ago when I first read it. I have no idea why I thought the heroine annoying back then, or why I thought the initial premise of the little boy and his behavioral changes dragged on too long, slowing down the pace.
What was the matter with me in 2011?
This was a great story. True, the pacing was slow at first, but it was a deceptive slowness, really. It was more like a train leaving the station...First, it goes slow, but it keeps building speed and momentum, until it's hurtling through the countryside. This story was just like that. Slow to begin, but the tension and intensity slowly, yet inexorably, built, the pace picking up speed, until the plot, the action, and the suspense hurtled toward the finishing line at a breakneck speed.
The suspense was great, with the mystery deepening, the different, somewhat contrasting clues, keeping the true villain and his motives a secret until almost the very end. The suspects were many and varied, and the tension and suspense top-notch.
The romance was nicely blended into the story, creating a lovely contrast to the suspense element, and at the same time providing additional clues, and even the final resolution. Still, I feel the romance could've been expanded a little more, making it a little more believable. With everything else going on taking center stage, I felt the romance was a bit rushed, and didn't progress in an organic way.
The story was also a good little insight into the life in the public eye and the pressures parents, and such a life, put on the children—and the result of that pressure on children not strong enough to handle it.
Most of the conflict in this book could've been solved with an honest talk, yet everybody kept a tight lid on the truth, creating rather unnecessary tension and friction among characters.
So, it could've been better, yet it still was leagues ahead of most romantic suspense novels out there.
Julia is right, but even she doesn't know the extent of trouble, that's plaguing the Stratford family. And Brian's uncle, venture capitalist, Connor Stratford, is willing to do pretty much anything to stop her from snooping any further. Yet, he never counted with the chemistry between them, or the fact, she is the only one outside the immediate family, he'd be willing to tell the whole truth, and trust her with keeping the family's secrets.
This book is a perfect example of time making the heart grow fonder, because I appreciated this book much, much more than six years ago when I first read it. I have no idea why I thought the heroine annoying back then, or why I thought the initial premise of the little boy and his behavioral changes dragged on too long, slowing down the pace.
What was the matter with me in 2011?
This was a great story. True, the pacing was slow at first, but it was a deceptive slowness, really. It was more like a train leaving the station...First, it goes slow, but it keeps building speed and momentum, until it's hurtling through the countryside. This story was just like that. Slow to begin, but the tension and intensity slowly, yet inexorably, built, the pace picking up speed, until the plot, the action, and the suspense hurtled toward the finishing line at a breakneck speed.
The suspense was great, with the mystery deepening, the different, somewhat contrasting clues, keeping the true villain and his motives a secret until almost the very end. The suspects were many and varied, and the tension and suspense top-notch.
The romance was nicely blended into the story, creating a lovely contrast to the suspense element, and at the same time providing additional clues, and even the final resolution. Still, I feel the romance could've been expanded a little more, making it a little more believable. With everything else going on taking center stage, I felt the romance was a bit rushed, and didn't progress in an organic way.
The story was also a good little insight into the life in the public eye and the pressures parents, and such a life, put on the children—and the result of that pressure on children not strong enough to handle it.
Most of the conflict in this book could've been solved with an honest talk, yet everybody kept a tight lid on the truth, creating rather unnecessary tension and friction among characters.
So, it could've been better, yet it still was leagues ahead of most romantic suspense novels out there.
March 19, 2024
I didn't like this story. Julia Talbot was a busybody. I understand teachers are attentive to their students, but she was obsessed with Brian Stratford, the mayor's son, throughout the entire book! Connor, Brian's uncle was trying to give her a few minor details and she flew off the rails and became incredibly manipulative and accused him of using her. Brian was not her child, and therefore none of her business. When she found out Brian's mother Nancy may have taken him on a plane with an earache her reaction was ridiculous. Whatever the parents chose to do was none of her business. Julia spent the entire story freaking out about Brian when he was in danger for maybe a quarter of the story. Which never ended by the way. I couldn't sit through the last five pages. 400 pages about a lawyer's gambling issue, his son's curve ball, and the sudden kidnapping attempt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2017
I got this audiobook for a couple of dollars at a used book sale. It's actually a pretty good story. I appreciated the fact that it was realistic in the way that information was passed on freely and didn't have that soap opera hesitation of having to see someone in person or for some other reason information was delayed. The characters picked up the phone and called, maybe missing each other but did connect to share what they had learned. It did go soap opera/Harlequin novel in the end, but anytime there is a love story involved that will happen. It does get a bit steamy between Julia and Conner. However, they do seem to be a good team in solving this thriller. I didn't care for the narrator. I felt his voice and expression didn't fit the characters well.
May 18, 2020
This book sucks so bad. I'm about 3/4 the way through and it is not interesting at all. I'm determined to finish it so forcing myself to read at least 1 chapter a day. Then it's going into the trash. I usually save books to reread or pass on to someone else but I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
May 2, 2022
A good contemporary suspense from Kane. I enjoy Kane and really like her stories and intriguing plot lines. In this one, Julia is likeable, believable person and I found her actions and responses to be relatable. She is a teacher who cares deeply for her students and I liked the way Kane showed the "tension" between Julia and Connor going from dislike to awareness to passion.
May 19, 2017
I'm not sure how I acquired this book, but it wasn't something that I purchased. The plot is rather tenuous, and it is a romance novel. It did somewhat pick up towards the end, which is why I have given it 3 stars.
September 28, 2021
3.5 stars
An okay story. The romance part was what reeled me in the most even though it was just a side story. The plot is really simple, almost predictable for a thriller. But I think the ending was charming.
An okay story. The romance part was what reeled me in the most even though it was just a side story. The plot is really simple, almost predictable for a thriller. But I think the ending was charming.
August 15, 2017
Very good book; first of Andrea Kane's that I've read - it won't be the last.
September 18, 2018
it's been a while since i first read this...suffice it to say, i have read it now about 5 times over the years.
June 15, 2019
The book starts out slow while it builds the plot, but it's a great plot line.
September 16, 2022
Oy, what a lame book. I read it, but at what cost? I hurt my eyeballs with all the eye rolling I did. Cliches and hackneyed phrasing abounded. I need to take a nap and recover.
July 20, 2023
Good read, the beginning was a little difficult to get through but about half way in it was smooth sailing with only a small twist. Enjoyed it
October 29, 2013
This book is one of Andrea Kane's early romantic suspense novels. I had read several of her historical romances and have been enjoying her more recent rom/sus ones and wanted to check this one out. It is very good. It is long--448 pages but moves at a steady pace throughout. The last 100 pages move very quickly.
Conner Stratford and Julia Talbot are featured in this story. They fall very quickly for each other but face several obstacles to a happy ending. Julia teaches second grade and has Conner's nephew, Brian, in her class. Brian's father is the town's mayor and has been involved in some activities that put his family and Julia at risk.
This book contains dirty politics, danger, suspense, some nasty characters, one cute 7 year-old boy and a fast-moving love story. The characters are well-drawn and do evolve as the story progresses. I would recommend this book or any other book by this author. She never disappoints.
Conner Stratford and Julia Talbot are featured in this story. They fall very quickly for each other but face several obstacles to a happy ending. Julia teaches second grade and has Conner's nephew, Brian, in her class. Brian's father is the town's mayor and has been involved in some activities that put his family and Julia at risk.
This book contains dirty politics, danger, suspense, some nasty characters, one cute 7 year-old boy and a fast-moving love story. The characters are well-drawn and do evolve as the story progresses. I would recommend this book or any other book by this author. She never disappoints.
January 14, 2012
I couldn't put the book down. Fast-paced, with lots of twists and turns, suspects and romance, this book has it all.
A politically aspiring mayor is being blackmailed into offering a corrupt business man a parking lot contract. His family is threatened, his son, Brian, ultimatley kidnapped.
His uncle, Connor, and teacher, Julia, try to help Brian in there own ways. Eventually romance develops between the two.
This book will keep you guessing until the end.
A politically aspiring mayor is being blackmailed into offering a corrupt business man a parking lot contract. His family is threatened, his son, Brian, ultimatley kidnapped.
His uncle, Connor, and teacher, Julia, try to help Brian in there own ways. Eventually romance develops between the two.
This book will keep you guessing until the end.
August 11, 2008
I would give the first 25 chapters of this book a 2 and the rest of the book a 4. That would put my rating around a 2.67, but that's not an option. The book could have gotten a 4 if the first 26 chapters had been about half as long.
May 23, 2010
I made it to page 55 before giving up on this one. I found that I didn't care for the main family who the trouble it looks revolves around. Connor, the uncle, just seems like bastard and the dad uncaring, while the mom hides her head in the sand. This one just isn't for me.
January 19, 2011
Teacher Julia Talbot becomes concerned when the mayor's son Brian, her favorite second-grader, becomes increasingly anxious and withdrawn, but her attempts to find out what is bothering the child lead her into a dangerous web of intrigue that threatens both his life and her own.
August 29, 2011
Read about 300 pages and could not finish, the entire premise was so weak. It seemed very circular with repeated information over and over until I was so sick of the obsession with Brian and analyzing of his mood.
June 14, 2013
It picked up at chapter 14. This is not one of the better books. And the Brady Bunch ending was a let down, I don't much like easy ending. A character had a name spelling dilemma through out the book.
Want to read
February 25, 2014I am nor reading this book. The computer added it by mistake and I can not delete it. I was trying to add a different book Please remove from my list I do not plan to ever read it and I am not happy
October 3, 2014
This was definitely not a book for me. My family and I did read it to it's entirety. it's not bad but, wanted more than what was delivered by Andrea Kane. There's possibly great potential in her. I look forward to trying another novel from her in the future.
January 31, 2008
A pretty good read-in-bed book.
Read
April 19, 2009Not great literature, but sure shows how difficult it is to maintain any sort of private life while running for political office.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews