I've read several of Andrea Kane's books and have enjoyed them overall, although I've had some problems with each of them. I finally figured out that the same problems occur in each book. A) the characters, B) the dialogue, C) the repetition of emotions and thoughts of the characters, and D) the length of the books--they're too long and drawn out due to the repetition of the emotions and thoughts of the characters.
In NO WAY OUT, a very affluent and powerful family, the Stratford's, are caught in a blackmail situation that threatens the oldest son's campaign for a New York Senate seat and quickly escalates to threaten the safety of his wife and young son.
Younger brother, Conner, steps in to yet again bail his big brother out of trouble and hide the blackmail from their imposing father. Conner loves his brother and will do everything he can to protect him, but his main concern is his nephew, Brian, and the emotional pain he's feeling due to the stress the blackmail is having on his parents and his home life.
Julia Talbot is Brian's second grade teacher, and an advocate for children's emotional wellbeing. She sees a change in Brian, who is described as 'exuberant', but comes across as a hyperactive and over-indulged kid. Still, he's a kid and I find him easy to care about.
Julia and Conner butt heads, even through the electric sexual awareness between them, over Brian's wellbeing. Julia wants to know what the root of the problem with Brian is while Conner fights to keep that root buried and protect his family.
The overall plot isn't bad, but there are a lot of distractions laced into the plot. There are also a lot of deep, meaningful looks, tender kisses, and declarations of exquisite love that grow old. And repetitive.
There is no huge, climatic scene. The ending is drawn out for over fifty pages and it felt like it took me forever to get through it.
I have two more of Ms. Kane's books to read. They will be the last two unless her overall game plan changes.
Shelley Dawn, author of Sweet, Sweet Jessie and Dark Nights
