Escaped

Little Boy Lost #5

by J.P. Barnaby

Sequel to Discovered
Little Boy Book Five

Finally together, Brian McAllister and Jamie Mayfield have risked everything in a desperate escape. Jamie is now free of his tormentor, Steven O’Dell... for the moment. But Brian and Jamie know that one wrong choice could lead Steven to their door.

With the strength of Brian and his friends to protect him, Jamie hides and finds the one person he is truly afraid of—himself. The long, lonely hours in the place Leo found for them to stay leave Jamie with nothing to do but think. He thinks about Brian, about the direction their lives should take. He thinks about his parents, about the industry he left behind. Mostly, though, he thinks about drugs. Jamie wants to feel good again, forget about his self-hatred, and stop the gnawing cravings that prey upon his mind and body even as he tries to start a new life with Brian.

One moment of weakness may prove to be fatal for them both.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Abuse, Gay, Contemporary Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2012

About the author

An award-winning, best-selling novelist of over a dozen books, J. P. Barnaby is a proud member of the GLBT community both online and in her small town on the outskirts of Chicago. A member of Mensa, she is often described as brilliant but troubled, sweet but introverted and talented but deviant. She spends her days writing software and her nights writing erotica which is, of course, far more interesting. The spare time that she carves out between her career and her novels is spent reading about the concept of love, which, like some of her characters, she has never quite figured out for herself.

Reviews

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just pulls you in. The moment I finished the previous book, I started this one. I had come to care about Brian and Jamie so much that I had to follow them down the dark path of this book, even though I was well-aware there is an installment yet to come. I appreciated Jamie's frailties and mistakes in this one, and the author's unwillingness to go for a simple HEA. There is a real understanding of how far Jaime has to travel to be well again. But of course, I came up against another unresolved ending... Whenever the last installment is completed, I will be in the queue of people waiting on release day to see how it all works out.

[Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Book 5, and so far the best of the series...

Again from Jamie’s POV as he struggles to escape his violently abusive manager/pimp/”boyfriend” and forge a relationship with his soul-mate Brian. Jamie’s struggles with trying to come clean from his addictions (and the terrible effects of withdrawal), all the while battling his damaged and fragile self-esteem, were painful, distressing, frustrating, and heartbreaking. I found that through most of this book I was holding my breath just hoping for him to make it...to safety, to health, to freedom.

As in the previous books in the series, the last 1/3 of the book along with the epilogue are the best parts.

We’re left wondering what will happen to our beloved Jamie and Brian and will they find their HEA? One book to go…

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I find myself wanting to kick J.P. in the ass for leaving us hanging. Girlfriend...you just love to torture us. This was my favorite book in the series. Although I probably say that about every one of them. They just keep getting better and better. The time and attention that J.P. devotes to researching her books is evident. Domestic abuse, drug addition, the sex trade industry...this book had the potential to be downright depressing but woven through it all is the love that all of these characters have for one another and you can feel the hope they share that it's all going to work out in the end. The journey to get there sucks, but you just know they are going to make it.

[Fangtasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even knowing what was likely to happen, needed to happen, for the final resolution of the series, this book just shredded my soul. This is an extremely talented author who has done her homework, thoroughly, to insure everything is as real as possible, making it all the more heart-wrenchingly painful.

If you want to meet Micah/Mike, don't miss this incredible interview, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR2wfz.... I just finished watching it and it's an experience not to be missed, like the "Little Boy Lost" series.

You cannot call yourself an M/M Romance fan if you haven't read this series. Go ahead, and feel free to PM me afterwards if you think I'm wrong.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this series! Can't wait to see how everything comes to a conclusion in the last book :)

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the books in the 'Little Boy Lost' series are heart wrenching and each and every one of them has reduced me to tears. The first one took until the very end, but this fifth one had me in despair almost from the beginning. Let me warn you: once you start reading this series, and this book is no exception, you will most likely be hooked. The emotions are so real and raw that they will pull you in and the characters will not let you go. I thought the previous ones were bad – this one was a thousand times worse. Not even the ending let me breathe easier. I cannot believe it will be months before I can read the final volume and I have no idea how I will survive not knowing what will happen to Jamie and Brian.



Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Marsha Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all 6 back to back and thank goodness I did! Escaped had my on the edge the whole time. Jamie being free but really in his head, heart and body he is just as trapped as he's been for the last few years. I don't consider what he did to be a betrayal of Brian. Jamie is a junkie. To me it was that simple. At the same time, I certainly understand Brian needing space. It's like he's been at defcon 10 for the last 18 months or however long it's been and he broke too. So glad to see Brian's folks and Jamie's dad, just thrilled how that worked out.

[Miss Asima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars and then some. This is the best series ever! Granted there are quite a few books on my "best ever" list but it does take a lot to get on there. :) Just don't read it before bed. I went to bed late because I couldn't sleep without finishing , of course. Lol And then I was up four different times because I kept having nightmares about poor Jamie and Brian! I am just way too involved in these books. I ♥ them so much.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Let me just say that this series is so heartbreaking. Please, if you read this, make sure that you read all the books in order. I kind of wish that I had waited to read them because now I have to wait for the last book. I am so heartbroken right now. I literally read all 5 books within about 3 days, I know that is crazy but I just couldn't break myself away. Now I have to wait until April and that seems like a long time even though I know it's not. All I have to say is that this book and this series takes ahold of your heart and finds a special place in it to settle down and stay. I liked that Jamie is now taking over and gets his pov and I truly hope that the next book is a hea. I know this isn't really a review, it's just me expressing my thoughts but I had to share. I have enjoyed all of the books so far and I thoroughly recommend the series but I also think that if you haven't read them yet, that you should wait until closer to April because otherwise, you'll hate the wait.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, only one left to go. This series just keeps racing on.

Finished this just after midnight and again it was just one more chapter, just one more chapter. I just could not put it down.

Brian and Jamie try to recover after Steven's assault on Jamie but his addiction gets the better of him and exposes both to even greater violence. Will Brian be able to regain his trust in Jamie? These two are so dedicated to each other yet both have difficulty dealing with each other's issues around many things and this inability is constantly pulling them apart. It is after all young love with little experience.

I look forward to the next and final instalment, Sacrificed, and hope that in the end they will be together. It would be just too heartbreaking for it not to end well.

[Supercandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg... I just finished reading this and was already looking for the last one to buy it when I realized I couldn't find it anywhere. After looking in the author's webpage and reading that it was supposed to be out I tried again to find it but still couldn't. Finally, I came to Goodreads and started looking through her posts and realized that I would have to wait until JULY to read it... I almost died. I need to know what happens! Part of the reason I read the series now was so that I could read it completely and now I feel like my heart is broken. Why, oh why are you making us wait so long? I need to know what happens between Jamie and his dad. I need to know what happens with Brian. I need to know about Jamie's seizures and how they will affect his life. I need to know that they stay together! I'm just a hopeless romantic at heart... July, please come fast!

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the series, finally brings Brian and Jamie together. However they have a lot to overcome if they are to be happy. Jamie may be away from Steven and his influence but a lot of damage has already been done.

This continues to be a dark journey for Jamie as he fights to get well and struggles with his internal demons.

"I pushed away the thought that he would be better off finding someone whole, because he didn't want someone whole - he wanted me."

Once again, lots of emotional moments, especially when Steven returned, shot Brian and dragged Jamie 'home'. Jamie's absolute devastation and next actions were heartbreaking.

Thank goodness I don't have to wait for the final book to be released but can dive right in.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I knew going into this story that I would probably do some crying, some cursing and definitely feel some anger at one point in the story but I still loved every minute of the torture. I know that Jamie and Brian still have one more book to go, but must everything that is bad happen to these guys? Especially Jamie, who at times flipped back and forth to feeling unworthy, guilty to feeling happy. In the end, at least for this book, everything seemed to settle down and the future is of course left uncertain. I will have to wait until the last book which I hope will tie up all loose ends and give Brian and Jamie a worthy ending to their epic love story.

[Randy Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now in book 5 things continue in Jamie's point of view. The relationship betwen Brian and Jamie is growing back together but it is very shakey and Stevn, Jamie's manager" is causing all sors of problems. Jamie's issues with drugs are making more problems and the growing failues to communicaate aren't helping.
The books is another without a HEA or even HFN ending. Book 6 is the conclusion to the series and with luck, we get the happy ever after for Jamie and Brian.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an emotional roller-coaster! I haven't been able to star a new book since finishing book 5.
Time for the boys to grow up, I just hope that Jamie can find his way. Be the man he needs to be for himself and a man worth of Brian's love.
And for Brian to find the strength in his heart to love Jamie again.
Let's just wait and see :)

[Loveeac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could've sworn I'd already reviewed this, but just noticed I never got around to it. Oops!

Powerful, as always. Not to mention, nail-biting and nerve-wracking. In other words, I loved it, and am looking forward to reading more. There just has to be a happy ending for these two at some point, right? ;-)

[Carol Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best in the series! The scenes with Jamie's father had me doing the ugly cry making my kids think I was having a meltdown!
What these 2 poor souls have had to endure and all because they fell in love, it teArs at your soul. Can't wait for finale and I sincerely hope it's a happy ever after or I will be inconsolable!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could this be any more depressing? I don't know. I mean, I could prostitute myself, return to an abusive relationship, and attempt murder-suicide, and I don't know if that would be more depressing than this book.

[DeWanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I HAD to buy this at 12:05am today. Once again Thank You JP for giving us this wonderful series. I look forward to the final book not that I'm in a hurry for the series to end.

[Fiona Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe it's already out! I must jump on it right away. Everything else can wait!!!!

[Page Crusherz · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOod plot development, really liking the secondaries.

[La*La · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best one in the series so far.

[Sandy Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

sigh....i need the next book...poor Brian

[Neet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th in the Lost Boy series and we again start off where we left off in the 4th book. Having discovered that Jamie is working at the same gay porn studio that he is, Brian is more than determined to not let him go. That may because Jamie is living with a violent and jealous man named Steven O' Dell who happens to be Jamie's manager, drug deal, and jailer. Jamie doesn't want Brian to get by Steven but these two can't get away from each other. There chance to be together for a week of filming in New Orleans gives Jamie thoughts of running away with Brian. When Steven threatens Jamie's best friend Alex with physical and sexual violence, Jamie know he must return to him. In a misunderstanding, Jamie is beaten by Steven, and nearly dies from the combination of drugs he gives. Brian ,Micah, Alex, Leo, and the rest of the gang take a chance while Steven is talking to the heard of the studio to allow a battered and bruised Jamie to be scurried off to the boarding house. With the help of Brian's father ( who isn't happy with his son doing pornography neither is Carolyn) over webcam he gives him instructions to tend to Jamie's dire medical situation. Brian is bound and determined not have Jamie be found by Steven.Jamie is given street oxy procured by Leo for the burn, bruises, cuts inflicted by Steven on Jamie's body. We also get a sweet beginning to the relationship of Michael & Alex. Alex is a hopeless romantic, and he has found friendship and love with Micah. It's nice that the best friends of the two MC's are given a story. Brian tries to make things better for Jamie. He with the aid of his friends find a studio apartment. Sure they still have to be careful because Steven is still out there. Also, Jamie is still struggling every day with his addiction. Will love conquer all? What happens next ? I won't tell, you just have to read this series!

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues Jamies story.

Brain has gotten Jamie out of Steven O’Dells hands and tries to keep Jamie safe.

Jamie isn’t doing well, he’s battling his addiction from the drugs and the pain Jamie is in from the injuries Steven has given him isn’t helping his situation. Jamie is hating that Brian has to do porn to keep them both alive with an apartment far away from the center.

Jamie isn’t doing well, he’s still struggling to detox on the drugs. While Brian is at a shoot, Jamie takes a bus to get some drugs to help his shakes and pain. Jamie doesn’t have much and he is about to do something that isn’t good.

Brain comes home and orders dinner, a knock on the door will change it all.

Jamie is back with Steven and Jamie does what people want to do to get out of the pain and suffering. Jamie takes Steven and himself out with rat poison in the drugs.

This book was a race of the blood, I was; page after page wanting to know what happens next, like i’ve said with the other 3 books. This is a good series and you should start it if you haven’t already done so. JP Barnaby is a good writer and she shows it with the complex characters and intense storyline.

[Jennifer Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are absolutely addictive. When I picked up the first one up like 5 days ago, I had not idea that this was a SIX book series and that each book was a least 350+ pages long. Regardless, I read them all because the story was so good and I totally fell in love with Brian first three, and then Jamie in the third three. Their story was absolutely amazing and in the end of the last book, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop after they go back but they ended up happy which made me happy too. I have literally read non-stop for the last 5 days in every free moment I have had and even gone back and reread some of the first two books just to connect the stories. I loved the switch in points-of-view in the book too--in the first three I was really dying to get in Jamie's head and when I started the third on I did. Love them all and will probably read them again. But I have to take a rest. I am so happy that I finished the whole series though. They are happy and so am I:).

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the LBL series continues in Jaime's voice. I was a bit worried because the fourth book was my least favorite and it was the first told in his voice. However, this installment was wonderful (painful but wonderful). I felt that Jaime's actions and thoughts were believable and realistic for an abuse victim and drug addict. And I just love Brian's character as well as all of his friends (and the side story of Alex and Mike). While Jamie makes some really devastating choices in this book, he also shows a lot of bravery. Jamie's story certainly is a heart-breaking warning about the cost of drug addiction. One more book left in the series - I will miss all the characters when it is over.

[Brandilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Prism Book alliance

All throughout my reading of Escaped, the fifth book in JP Barnaby's Little Boy Lost series, I had one line running through my head. That phrase is simply two steps forward and one back. Then it would switch to one step forward and two steps back. Finally, it switched back. Brian and Jamie have come a long way, but with everything Jamie has suffered over the last two-plus years, he has so many miles still to travel.

http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series is getting really bad for my social life. All I want to do is to curl up on my sofa and read, read, read...
Book 5 is another tough one and made me very emotional. The situation Jamie is in with all the fears, self hate and sense of guilt is heartbreaking.
I've fallen in love with Brian and Jamie and I'm hoping for a happy ending for both of them... together or separate.

I highly recommend this book series. It's a wonderful read. And it has a story to tell that makes you a better person!

[Rissa (an M/M kinda Girl!!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hell...another heart breaker but I loved it!

I've been putting off reading these last 2 books..*sigh* These guys have taken me on one amazingly heartbreaking roller coaster ride & I'm not ready to get off of it yet. I want them to finally be happy but I will miss them terribly.

Anyway this book, just when we think they are finally moving in the right direction something or someone throws everything off course and we have to watch them fight their way back on track.