I love Judie McNaught's historical books, but was a little worried moving into her contemporaries. I shouldn't have been!

It took too long for me to finish so I give it 3,5 stars.

The best contemporary romance I've read. Great character development and such an emotional story.

This may be the best of the McNaught books. I’m re-reading all of them (except Tender Triumph which is the worst book ever), and have made my way to the contemporaries. What is not to love about Matt Farrell? Can’t even think of one thing. Sometimes older contemporaries are difficult to read because unlike historical romances they tend to really date themselves. This one wasn’t too bad beyond the fashion and describing an OB-GYN (probably an RE?) as a doctor for problem pregnancies.

Actually this book deserves 5 stars; 4 stars is for the author. Don't get me wrong, Judith Mcnaught is a great writer but there's a down side to reading all of someone's books in a short space of time. You start to notice trends and some things get repetitive. Like all her heros just feel the same to me. I guess big and mysterious is cool for a while but when you get too much of it then it becomes a mouthful to swallow. And her beginnings are always slow.
But on the other hand, when the story sets off, there's no stopping. And 'paradise' was one crazy ride (I don't fancy the title though!). Meredith was sweet and at the same time strong; Matt was brash but gentle. They were a good match. Hey and I'm she (the author) didn't leave Parker hanging'like Alex in 'Once and Always'. By the way, I saw through Lisa right away!
All I can say is if you want to read this book; prepare, sit back and buckle-up!

Matt and Meredith, 30 years later, strolling around NYC, taking their time off from Chicago.

MEET CUTE NYC person: Excuse me sir, are you two a couple?
Meredith looks at Matt, Matt looks at Meredith: yeah yeah we are.
MEET CUTE NYC person: Would you mind telling us the story of how you first met?
Meredith: Matt ...... Would you share the story with them?
Matt: Anything for you, darling!
Me, watching the meetcutenycTok: OH GOD MY HEART

So someone commented that this book is like THE MOTHER of all angst so it got my attention LIKE HOLD UP LETS SEE, 24 hours later: gasps the person was right, the way i had been clutching everything. How on earth theres not one tv production thinking of picking this book up and got it on the screen!!!?!!#!$+#+#+$+#+ Meredith is such a greaat great woman!!! I adore her!! Matt saying shes incapable of lasting hate, man loves her so muchhh :(((

Aside from the many tiny subplots that really didn't need to occur, this book had everything you could want in a romance.

I wish the FMC was like 10x more angry at her father for being such an asshole tho.
Like he truly sucked...