It was a plan that had to work for Megan Thomas. She found Cindy, at the mall, and if the look-alike didn’t ask any questions, Megan would walk out that door and become Meg Thomas. Cindy would be her perfect escape. Meg would no longer be with Bradford. It was her only chance before he killed her. Without looking back, Meg heads to the cottage. From now on, Meg would think of herself. Seven days passed and there was no show of Bradford. She was certain he was turning Chicago upside down and enlisting as many mob members to locate her, especially after receiving the divorce papers. Then one day she climbs out of the shower, to have a husky man glaring directly her way. Smyth Parker inherited his grandfather’s tobacco business. He has been through a rough ordeal trying to get rid of one two-timing woman, by the name of Crystal, who wants everything his grandfather worked hard for. He is surprised to find a woman in his cottage. Meg explains she rented it until the end of May since he would be gone until the end of summer. Smyth can’t believe his sister rented out his cottage again. It doesn’t matter; he wants Meg out by morning. Terrified, Meg doesn’t know where to go, but when morning arrives, Smyth has a change in heart. For some reason Smyth finds her someone he can lean on. He has suffered through heartache, and perhaps they can help each other. Meg is still uncertain how things are with Bradford, or Cindy for that matter, but as her days slowly draw to her whereabouts being discovered, will Smyth be able to help her, or will his pressing issues, with his problems, cause him to lose Meg forever?

Wow Maddie James has done it again. She hooked me from the beginning and kept me grounded until the end. I love the beginning of the story, it takes off fast-paced, instantaneously pulling the reader in. My heart melted with Smyth, especially when he wanted to be held. He shows a great human quality to him that really leaps out at the reader. He is a terrific hero, who is compassionate, and just believable in all his actions. Bradford really shines through as an evil person, along with Crystal, followed by Cindy. A Perfect Escape is a well-written story that delivers great range of emotions, intense action at its best, and a great plot. Ms. James knows how to pen stories that engage the reader and keep them interested until the end. With a great premise and powerful characters this story captures the heart and hates to let go.

Reviewed by: Linda L.