Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught

This one was interesting because I have read just one of McNaught's contemporaries and it was none of the books related to this one. Yes, this one is part of a world built around several of McNaught's characters. The previous books in this 'so called' series were Perfect and Paradise. We meet the couples from those books but they have no real bearing on this story.

Mitchell Wyatt had a rough childhood, growing up without the knowledge of where he came from. His mother gave him up to the Wyatt family when he was born and they put him in the care of an unknown family until he was old enough to move to boarding school. He grew up going from school to school thinking he was a charity case. It was not until recently that his brother, William, discovered his existence and sought him out. By then Mitchell had made a name of his own, and commanded a fortune of his own as well. So Mitchell had no interest in the family that had abandoned him. It was William's insistence and his genuine affection that drew Mitchell back to the Wyatts. Shortly after Mitchell rejoins his family, William goes missing and the authorities suspect he has something to do with the disappearance.

Kate Donovan has recently lost her father and needs to get out of Chicago to regroup. Her current boyfriend, Evan, arranged for a short vacation in a tropical island resort but cannot join her because his work pulls him back home. During his absence Kate, who has been questioning the direction of her relationship with Evan, bumps into Mitchell and sparks fly. The fling leaves an indelible mark on both of these characters and Kate decides she wants to pursue the romance further and Mitchell is willing to let her into his secretive life.

Well, things didn't work out that way and misunderstandings get in their path. When Mitchell is accused of the murder of his brother he has to leave the idealic setting too quickly to clear things up and with a relationship built on passion, the small tumble brought the whole house of cards down.

Other things happen which I will not get into so that I won't spoil the book for anyone, but two years pass before Mitchell and Kate's paths cross once again. They will have to overcome the lack of trust that seems ingrain for these characters before they reach a happily ever after.

The book kept me wanting to know more, which is good but the subplots were short and seem to be there just to cause problems for our couple. For example, the murder of Mitchell's brother was resolved within 24 hours of Mitchell returning to Chicago. The killer confessed. Eh? There was a kidnapping later on in the book that was also resolved quick and too clean. It seems it was put in there just to bring our couple together. Again, eh? Even with these quirks, I enjoyed the book but if you are planning to read it... wait for it on paperback (or get it from the library, like I did!)

Grade: B-
Format: Audiobook