REVIEW: 'Every Breath You Take' by Robert Winter
Title: Every Breath You Take
Author: Robert Winter
Published: May 5, 2017
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 240 Pages
Tags: MM; Gay; Mystery; Suspense; Law Enforcement; Mental Illness; HFN; CW: Off-Page Abuse, Infidelity, Sexual Assault; Murder
About Every Breath You Take
When Zachary Hall leaves Utah for a job in Washington, it’s finally his chance to live as a gay man and maybe find someone special. In a bar he meets Thomas Scarborough, a man who seems perfect in and out of the bedroom. But Thomas never dates. He never even sleeps with the same man twice. Despite their instant connection, he can offer Zachary only his friendship, and Zachary is looking for more.
Thomas is tempted to break his own rules, but years before, he became the victim of a stalker who nearly destroyed his life. Even though his stalker died, Thomas obsessively keeps others at a distance. Despite his fascination with Zachary, he is unable to lower his barriers. Frustrated, Zachary accepts he will never have what he wants with Thomas and soon finds it with another man.
But young gay men in Washington, DC, are being murdered, and the victims all have a connection to Thomas. Once again someone is watching Thomas’s every move. Can it be a coincidence? When the depraved killer turns his attention toward Zachary, Thomas must face the demons of his past—or lose his chance to open his heart to Zachary forever.
4 HEART READ
REVIEW: Robert Winter’s Every Breath You Take is a fast paced gem of a mystery with two intriguing main characters and a creative cast of supporting players. This is the first chance I’ve had to read anything by this author and his smooth and witty writing captivated me from the opening scene to the action packed conclusion.
The prologue sets up the story with a grisly murder and gives just a hint of what’s to come. This part of the story unfolds gradually while the main characters are introduced.
Zachary, a young man recently moved to Washington DC, chooses the piano bar Mata Hari Hari for his first experience in living an openly gay life. When he meets Thomas at the bar their mutual attraction is undeniable, and Zachary goes home with him for a night of incredibly hot sex. While Zachary has hopes for a long term commitment, or at least a second date, he is put off by Thomas for whom “sex is a onetime thing”. Thomas has been hurt in the past and can’t bring himself to become emotionally involved, so he has filled the last few years with meaningless one night stands.
I love the way Robert Winter writes his characters.
The portrayal of Thomas is beautifully done. I got so deep into Thomas’ head and could really understand his fears, his conflicting emotions, and why he does what he does. He has spent his life feeling appreciated for his looks, wealth, and connections and recognizes how shallow he has become. When he realizes Zachary sees beyond those things, he starts to wish for a life for himself and to become the man Zach sees. It is a wonderful character study of which I’ve never read better.
The creepiness of the stalker/murderer is nicely done. Again, Winter gets into this guy’s head and it is off the charts.
What goes through his mind, the planning he does, and how he reasons everything out is absolutely perfect. I’m still reeling from the final scene.
I’m so glad I discovered this author and I highly recommend Every Breath You Take. I hope Robert Winter plans to write many more books as I’m officially a fan.
A copy of Every Breath You Take was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by Robert Winter, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
Meet the Author
Robert Winter is a recovering lawyer who likes writing about hot men in love much more than drafting a legal brief. He left behind the (allegedly) glamorous world of an international law firm to sit in his home office and dream up ways to torment his characters until they realize they are perfect for each other.
Robert divides his time between Washington, DC, and Provincetown, MA. He splits his attention between Andy, his partner of fifteen years, and Ling the Adventure Cat, who likes to fly in airplanes and explore the backyard jungle as long as the temperature and humidity are just right.
For more from Robert be sure and visit his website.
