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Tag Archives: Catherine Bybee

Book Review – Staying for Good

06 Monday Feb 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Most Likely To series, Staying For Good

I’m so very, very excited to bring you this book.  Happy Monday, y’all, and happy reading!

*****

staying-for-good-cover-artStaying For Good

Most Likely To Series, Book Two

by Catherine Bybee

Montlake Romance, Contemporary

January 24, 2017, First Edition

Paperback & Kindle

Blurb:

Zoe Brown may have been voted Most Likely to Never Leave River Bend, but the paper-thin walls and suffocating air of her family’s double-wide trailer were not what she wanted for her life. Other than BFFs Melanie and Jo, the only thing that kept Zoe sane during high school was her boyfriend, Luke.

She didn’t just leave, she escaped—turning her back on the shame of her black-sheep siblings and imprisoned dad. Now a celebrity chef in Dallas, she can afford all the things she never could have growing up. But when she returns to rustic, ruggedly beautiful River Bend, Zoe has to face all that she abandoned—including Luke.

While Luke was a refuge for Zoe in the past, he knows they inhabit totally different worlds now. Anchored by his parents and his job as a mechanic in his father’s shop, Luke never felt the urge to leave River Bend—until Zoe’s return.

But when the two rekindle their old flame, Zoe is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: remain in River Bend and confront her past before it destroys her, or say good-bye to everyone she’s ever loved…again, this time for good.

Amazon | B&N | BAM | BOOK DEPOSITORY

*****

Review:

Having read the first book in the series I was really looking forward getting to know Zoe even better.  She has had a hard start in life but with grit and smarts she’s managed to make herself a success.  Although that doesn’t mean her rough childhood didn’t leave some scars.  As great as she’s had it she’s finding it difficult to just let herself believe that she’s made it and that she’s able to relax her guard a little.  She’s still convinced that it might all be taken away from her and she’ll be back at the bottom.  And being in her hometown with her family stirs up all sorts of memories that are better left behind … and a few that are just that special and good.

Zoe may have run away as fast and far as she could, but Luke is happy at home.  He’s got a life that works for him, one that he’s happy with surrounded by friends and family.  It took a lot out of Luke when Zoe left and seeing her again has stirred up a lot of feelings.  And some of those give him with a feeling that he may be missing out on something not seeing the rest of the world.  Plus, he’s thinking that maybe he’ll only find happiness with the girl who originally stole his heart.

While there is a lot of Brown family drama, there isn’t all that much on the romantic side (which I was afraid there would be with Zoe and Luke’s history).  Most second chance love stories are just packed full of hurt feelings, maybe some misunderstanding or miscommunication, but definitely a lot of angst.  I shouldn’t have doubted Ms. Bybee’s talent, though, because she’s never failed me before so why should she now!  Instead she gives readers her all with characters of great depth and humanity, emotions that run the gamut, and crisp writing that captures your attention from the first page.  She’s been one of my guaranteed authors for a while now – just seeing her name means I know it’ll be a winner – but with each new book she surprises me with how amazingly good she continues to be  🙂

(While it isn’t necessary to have read Doing It Over, it will help to give you some context.)

*****

Copyright Julianne Gentry PhotographyAuthor Info:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.

Contact Links:

www.catherinebybe.com

catherinebybee@yahoo.com

catherinebybee.blogspot.com

facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee

twitter.com/catherinebybee

pinterest.com/catherinebybee

instagram.com/catherinebybee

*****

Giveaway:

Make sure you enter for a chance to win some great prizes!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a8544f633/

*****

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Spotlight – Not Quite Perfect

24 Saturday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Catherine Bybee, Not Quite Perfect, Not Quite series

We’ve seen a lot of Bybee’s books before (her Weekday Brides series, the first in her Most Likely To series, and another of the Not Quite books) and I’m ecstatic to be able to bring you another book from this fantastically talented author.  And I’m very sure this won’t be the last time we see her 🙂

*****

bybee-notquiteperfect-resizeNot Quite Perfect

Not Quite Series, Book Five

by Catherine Bybee

Montlake Romance, Contemporary

September 20, 2016, First Edition

Paperback & Kindle

Blurb:

With true love, there’s no such thing as a safe distance.

Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation.

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?

*****

Copyright Julianne Gentry PhotographyAuthor Info:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.

Contact Links:

www.catherinebybe.com

catherinebybee@yahoo.com

catherinebybee.blogspot.com

facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee

twitter.com/catherinebybee

pinterest.com/catherinebybee

instagram.com/catherinebybee

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win fabulous prizes, including a Kindle and Gift Cards

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a8544f630/

*****

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Book Review – Doing It Over

09 Monday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Doing It Over, Most Likely To series

EEEEE!  I’m so excited about this one!

*****

Bybee-DoingItOver-21434-CV-FT-v6Doing It Over

Most Likely To Series, Book One

Montlake Romance, Contemporary

April 19, 2016, First Edition

Paperback & Kindle

Blurb:

One small town. Three close friends. True love to last a lifetime.

Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo and Zoe, by her side, and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might have turned the corner on a new life.

Wyatt Gibson never liked the big city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?

Praise for Doing It Over

“The romance between fiercely independent Melanie and charming Wyatt heats up even as outsiders threaten to derail their newfound happiness. This novel will hook readers with its warm, inviting characters and the promise for similar future installments.” –Publishers Weekly

 “This brand-new trilogy, Most Likely To, based on yearbook superlatives, kicks off with a novel that will encourage you to root for the incredibly likable Melanie. Her friends are hilarious and readers will swoon over Wyatt, who is charming and strong. Even Melanie’s daughter, Hope, is a hoot! This romance is jam-packed with animated characters, and Bybee displays her creative writing talent wonderfully.” –RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

BUY LINKS:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Doing-Over-Most-Likely-Book-ebook/dp/B0177XH2IK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1459454842&sr=8-1

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/doing-it-over-catherine-bybee/1122954977?ean=9781503950726

BAM:  http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Doing-Over/Catherine-Bybee/9781503950726?id=6464629525307

BOOK DEPOSITORY:  http://www.bookdepository.com/Doing-it-Over-Catherine-Bybee/9781503950726?ref=grid-view

*****

Review:

Bybee’s The Weekday Brides series is one of my favorites and I was so excited when I found out she was starting a new one … and I’m ever more thrilled to find out she still has the magic touch!

Like The Weekday Brides, readers will get a fun & charming romance between the hero & heroine – tender moments, funny dialogue, and characters (both main & secondary) that you’ll fall for.  And while there’s just the right amount of trouble, none of it is overly dramatic, couply issues.  There was one moment where I was a little scared but I should have realized that Bybee wouldn’t do that to her readers.  Instead she lets the romance develop naturally between Wyatt and Melanie, leaving any problems to be brought by outside forces.

We’re also given a little bit about Melanie’s friends, kinda like a preview for the next books, but not enough for it to overwhelm the main story.  Outside of the main three friends the series is based on, we’re also given some entertaining side characters – Melanie’s spunky daughter, outrageous Ms Gina, Zoe’s sexy ex Luke, and Wyatt’s oh-so-awesome dad.  Every time I turned the page I was so anxious to see what Bybee would bring next and I am SOOO looking forward to the rest of the series.

*****

Copyright Julianne Gentry PhotographyAuthor Info:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.

www.catherinebybe.com

catherinebybee@yahoo.com

catherinebybee.blogspot.com

facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee

twitter.com/catherinebybee

pinterest.com/catherinebybee

instagram.com/catherinebybee

*****

Giveaway:

1 Kindle Paperwhite and 2 $50 Gift Cards

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a8544f626/

*****

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Book Review – Treasured by Thursday

04 Friday Sep 2015

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Treasured by Thursday, Weekday Brides Series

I’m so thrilled to be able to bring everyone the last story in Catherine Bybee’s Weekday Brides series.  She gives us a humdinger of an ending to one of my favorite series and I can’t recommend it enough.

*****

23306713Treasured by Thursday

Weekday Brides, Book 7

by Catherine Bybee

Contemporary Romance, Montlake

Release: August 18, 2015

Blurb:

The seventh and final tale in the dazzling, heartwarming, and pulse-racing Weekday Brides series.

Gabriella Masini: She’s a woman haunted by her past, with the scars to prove it. She believes that fairy tales are for other people. An elite matchmaker at Alliance, she’s great at crunching numbers, but something doesn’t add up with her latest prospective client: a billionaire bad boy with his own secrets. When Gabi refuses to be his temporary wife, Hunter forces her hand with an offer she can’t refuse. But marriage to a man like that could never last…or could it?

Hunter Blackwell: Only his bank account is bigger than his ruthless ability to obtain anything he wants. These days, he has a secret reason to settle down, at least for a while—and he thinks the sensual and sassy Gabi will fit the bill perfectly. But when their marriage of convenience becomes downright dangerous, Hunter must decide how far to take his vow to honor and protect Gabi forever.

Buy on Amazon

Find on Goodreads

*****

Review:

Most of the time, I’ll tell you that you don’t need to have read the previous stories in a series to enjoy a book, but unfortunately this time I think it makes a difference.  We met Gabi in Seduced by Sunday and a lot of her history from that story impacts this one and I’m afraid you might be missing out on a lot by not having that information.  But really, these stories are so good that it shouldn’t be a hardship 🙂

Every time I read one of these I think that I’ve met the couple that I love the most …. then I read the next book.  I already knew I’d love Gabi based on Sunday (and just by the fact that she is one of Bybee’s brides) but Hunter turned out to be great too.  He does change his tune pretty quickly after meeting Gabi but I don’t think he’s had someone with quite as much sass in his life before.  He’s also going thru a lot of other things, hence his need for a “bride”, which probably helped him want to take a good look at himself as well.  I liked him right off, regardless of how big a jerk he could be, and watching him fall for Gabi was a lot of fun.

Gabi was dealt a HUGE hit in Sunday so it was great to see her finding a spark inside and be willing to stand up to Hunter.  He needed someone to give him a little grief and she’s got it in her to be that person.  I laughed and huffed and smiled and shook my head at the two of them as they dance around each other on their way to a relationship.

The suspense portion was fantastic.  (I’m not sure how these people keep getting themselves into these situations …) But Gabi’s related back to Sunday and gave a nice book end to her story.  Although you knew everything was going to turn out well for them in the end, there were a couple of moments that had me holding my breath.

The ending, both with the bad guy and Gabi & Hunter’s relationship, was perfect.  She showed how far she’d come and he’s wonderful coming to the rescue.  I have to say I fell even more for him in the last chapter but you’re just going to have to read it to find out why 🙂

Y’all have no idea how sad I am to see this series end, although I was thrilled to have all of my favorites show back up and give us updates on their lives.  And a little good news, Bybee hints at a new series coming and I’m sure it is going to be great!

*****

Bybee Author PhotoAuthor Info:

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series as well as the Weekday Brides series.

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Book Review – Seduced by Sunday

22 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Seduced by Sunday, Weekday Bride Series

Y’all might remember Bybee’s Fiance by Friday or Single by Saturday … and if you have read any of the Weekday Brides Series then you know how great the new one is going to be.  And if you haven’t read any yet, what are you waiting for?

*****

Seduce by Sunday LSEDUCED BY SUNDAY

The Weekday Bride Series, Book Six

by Catherine Bybee

Montlake Romance, Contemporary

April 14, 2015, First Edition

Paperback & Kindle

Blurb:

Meg Rosenthal: Matchmaker by day, realist by night, Meg is not about to get swept away by a charming, darkly handsome businessman in a designer suit.

She’s come to a beautiful secluded resort to evaluate the private island’s potential for her agency, not to ogle its owner. But there’s something about the magnetic man that’s hard to resist, even for a woman who refuses to fall in love.

Valentino Masini: A successful and drop-dead sexy businessman, Valentino is used to having the finer things in life. Yet he’s never wanted someone the way he wants Meg, who’s stirring up a hurricane of trouble in his heart. But just as he decides to convince her to stay, someone else decides it might be time to get Meg off the island…permanently.

Praise for Catherine Bybee

“Suspense, survival, and chemistry mix in this scintillating read in the style of Julie Garwood and Suzanne Brockmann.” —Booklist on Fiancé by Friday

“This is a book nobody should miss, because the magic it contains is awesome.” —Booked Up Reviews on Married by Monday

“[A] wonderfully exciting plot, lots of desire, and some sassy attitude thrown in for good measure!” —Harlequin Junkie on Single by Saturday

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Sunday-Weekday-Brides-Book-ebook/dp/B00NWS4AIK/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426138407&sr=8-1&keywords=seduced+by+sunday

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seduced-by-sunday-catherine-bybee/1120641952?ean=9781477827772

BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Seduced-Sunday/Catherine-Bybee/9781477827772?id=6165479539816

BOOK DEPOSITORY: http://www.bookdepository.com/Seduced-by-Sunday-Catherine-Bybee/9781477827772

*****

Excerpt:

Val brushed the side of her face with the back of his hand, moved closer.

Meg stopped playing, felt her pulse jump.

“Where’s Michael?” Val whispered.

“Michael?” The name didn’t register.

Val lifted his left eyebrow. “The man you’re here with.”

Right. “He’s a …” Damn, he smelled edible.

Val’s palm captured her neck and guided her to her feet. “He’s just a friend, isn’t he, Margaret?”

The way Val’s lips moved drew her closer. The need to taste them, feel them on hers was impossible to walk away from. “If I told you we were more than friends…”

Val’s eyes traveled from her lips to her eyes. “Then I’d have to let you go.” He loosened his fingers on her neck, but instead of moving away, Meg leaned in.

“Sounds like you might regret that decision.” She laid a hand on his firm chest. The man wasn’t soft under his stuffy suits.

“I don’t pursue another man’s woman.”

He wasn’t moving away.

“Good to hear, Masini.” She lifted her lips close to his, felt his breath mix with hers. “I don’t belong to anyone.”

Val hesitated for a nanosecond, and then took her lips. His closed-mouth kiss started off soft, like a hesitant man worried about rushing. Yet when Val wrapped his free hand around her waist, and his body fit against hers, Meg opened for him, encouraged him to taste.

When he did she lost it. He tasted of bourbon and sex. God help her, she wanted to crawl into his kiss and explore it for hours. The man kissed like he was on a mission. And maybe he was. Who knew if Val Masini made it a weekly occurrence to kiss a new woman? Somehow, she didn’t think so. He was too reserved most of the time.

Not now … not with his tongue exploring her and his strong hands pressing the small of her back closer. Every hard ridge of the man met with every soft curve of hers.

The kiss went on until she found her chest tightening with a familiar warning. Sexual excitement had to be paced or she might find herself in a full-blow asthma attack. A frustrating fact of her life in the last few years. One that kept her single most of the time, her encounters lukewarm at best.

Val was threatening the air in her lungs with just a kiss.

A heated knock her on her ass kiss, but a kiss nonetheless.

She eased away and Val chased her lips.

She tried to slow her breathing, couldn’t catch a deep breath. “Wait,” she managed, pulling away.

“Too much, cara?”

You have no idea.

*****

Review:

I’ve actually reviewed a couple of Bybee’s books already (I’m not sure how I missed Taken By Thursday but I’ll get that one up soon) and I have to say I’ve loved every one of them.  They are fantastic mix of suspense and romance. 

I haven’t met a person that I haven’t liked in this series (or at least not anyone I’m supposed to like) and this time isn’t any different.  Bybee gives little glimpses of her heroines in preceding stories so we’ve met Meg before and I wasn’t surprised that I liked her.  She’s strong and sassy, just like a weekday bride should be.  And of course, she deserves a hunky and suave hero, which she gets with Val.  He’s deliciously Italian – cool and sexy, but with a nice bit of fire inside. 

At the beginning we get a little flirtation between Val and Meg, but it doesn’t take long for Bybee to get the ball rolling on their troubles.  I have to say that it was quite obvious where the problems were coming from but she still manages to make you wonder.  It isn’t as much of a whodunit but more of a whydunit and what are our leads going to do about it.  Together Val and Meg, with their friends of course (hi everyone!), take serious insult to anyone threatening them and those they love so you know that they are going to take care of business … and they do.  It’s quite satisfying to see how they get to the bottom of everything and the way that it is all resolved. 

But I think my favorite part of this one is the fact that we continue to get Michael’s story.  Out of all of the characters he’s my favorite and I’m not sure why.  Maybe it is the adversity that he faces, the fact that he so very much wants to have a satisfactory life and a HEA, his lifestyle choice that is so much a hot point right now.  We know that we’ll get another story in the series since Gabi has to get her happy ending, so I’ve got my fingers crossed that Bybee shows us that things can work out for him.

Full of a great deal of humor and spark, love and friendship, romance and heat, Seduced by Sunday is a great addition to the Weekday Brides series.  If you haven’t read one before, that’s fine – Bybee does a great job of keeping each story self-contained but with enough character flow between them to keep returning readers happy. 

*****

Bybee Author PhotoAuthor Info:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

CONTACT LINKS:

Website: http://www.catherinebybee.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2905789.Catherine_Bybee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinebybee

*****

Giveaway:

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Guest Post – Not Quite Forever

13 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Catherine Bybee, Not Quite Forever, Not Quite series

We’ve seen (and loved!) a couple of her books before – Fiancé by Friday and Single by Saturday – so I am beyond thrilled that we have Catherine Bybee with us today to answer a few questions, show us her newest book … AND giveaway some fantastic prizes!

*****

What do you like best about writing romances?

CB: I think it would be easier to answer the opposing question. I love every part of writing, from the creation of characters, stories, plots…to publishing the books…to meeting my readers. I love falling in love with all my heroes…and having crushes on my heroines.

What is your favorite romantic story (movie/book, fact/fiction)?

CB: Romancing the Stone is one of my all time favorite movies. I didn’t know when I first saw the film that I would one day be Joan Wilder. But… yeah. I’m Joan without the typewriter.

If you could be any romantic character, who would it be and why?

CB: Of my books? Oh, that’s easy. I’d be Dakota in a heartbeat. Wait… Or Samantha from Wife by Wednesday… yeah, a rich duchess? Wait…Gwen from Fiancé by Friday…cuz NEIL! Oh, man that man! Of course Monica’s man owns his own planes, and flys them. Hmmm… this is harder than I thought.

Which of your characters/books was the most fun to write? 

CB: I actually think the bad guys in all my books are the most fun to write. I love exploring the dark minds of my characters.

If you weren’t a writer and could be anything you want, what would it be?

CB: An actress. I live to entertain, enjoy the spotlight. But I need to be an uber rich actress who is grounded.

*****

NQF Cover ArtNot Quite Forever

The Not Quite Series, Book Four

by Catherine Bybee

Montlake Romance, Contemporary

November 04, 2014, First Edition

Paperback & Kindle

Blurb:

The touching and heartwarming fourth novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Romance author Dakota Laurens believes that happily-ever-afters exist only between the covers of her sexy novels. But to her surprise, she finds a real-life hero when she meets a handsome emergency room doctor. The outspoken author feels an instant and intense attraction to Dr. Walt Eddy, and the feeling is mutual. When the globetrotting doctor pulls a disappearing act on Dakota, she’s prepared to write him off…until fate brings a blindsiding twist to her story.

Still scarred from a past tragedy, Walt may have disappeared on Dakota, but now he’s determined to win her back. For the first time in years, he knows he’s ready for a new chance at love. Yet between Dakota’s doubts and two sets of meddling parents, can the once-blissful couple finally create the bright, loving future they desperately want?

PRAISE FOR NOT QUITE FOREVER

“Bybee’s magnetic fourth Not Quite contemporary proves that romance can happen in the most unlikely places… The love scenes are sizzling and the multi-dimensional characters make this a page-turner. Readers will look for earlier installments and eagerly anticipate new ones.”

–Publishers Weekly

“Not Quite Forever is Catherine Bybee at her finest: true-to-life characters on a wild and wonderful path toward their happily ever after.”

–Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Tracy Brogan

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Not-Quite-Forever-ebook/dp/B00K6NJZZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412054658&sr=8-1&keywords=not+quite+forever

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/not-quite-forever-catherine-bybee/1119586403?ean=9781477825891

BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Not-Quite-Forever/Catherine-Bybee/9781477825891?id=6120550844239

BOOK DEPOSITORY: http://www.bookdepository.com/Not-Quite-Forever-Catherine-Bybee/9781477825891

*****

Bybee Author PhotoAuthor Info:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

CONTACT LINKS:

www.catherinebybe.com

catherinebybee@yahoo.com

catherinebybee.blogspot.com

twitter.com/catherinebybee

*****

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*****

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Book Review – Single by Saturday

09 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Single by Saturday, Weekday Bride Series

cover39610-mediumShe enjoyed her fake marriage…until she fell in love with her brother-in-law.

Catherine Bybee serves up excitement and dizzying romance in Single by Saturday, the sequel to Fiancé by Friday and the latest entry in her bestselling “Weekday Brides” series.

Karen Jones: The petite blonde married a Hollywood star, yet she’s the one who spends every day playing a part: the part of a happy wife. A year ago, she agreed to wed a famous actor to diffuse rumors about his personal life. Now, her divorce sits just around the corner, along with a five million dollar payout. However, as she prepares to exit her fake marriage gracefully, her drop-dead-gorgeous brother-in-law walks through the door…and into her heart.

Zach Gardner: Dark-haired, blue-eyed hunk Zach crashes Michael and Karen’s fancy one-year anniversary party, determined to meet the wife his brother hid from their family. But sparks fly the moment he and Karen see each other. When the famous couple decides to visit the whole Gardner clan, Karen must keep Michael’s secret under wraps in front of his questioning relatives…including Zach, the man who could be the real love of her life.

I think I could gobble up Bybee’s “Weekday Brides” books like candy.  I absolutely could not put this one down and finished it in a day. Unlike Fiance by Friday, this one is definitely more romance than suspense, although there is a little drama at the end that kept me (just a little) on the edge of my seat. 

We met Karen and Michael in Fiance by Friday and I was really looking forward to their story – and Bybee definitely didn’t disappoint.  Michael has got to be one of my favorite characters.  He has a big secret to keep and Karen is helping him do it.  I adore the loving, non-sexual relationship between the two and Michael definitely made me want my own gay husband.  He’s caring and funny, charming and saucy, and he’s definitely a fantastic guy to have as a best friend.  I’m really hoping that we’ll get more of his story as the “Weekday Brides” series continues, especially since it looks like his sister might show up in a future story.

Karen has her own issues.  We got to know her a little in Fiance by Friday but didn’t get a lot of the details – she had a hard childhood and now spends her time helping other kids.  She’s caring and giving and funny.  She’s built a great relationship with Michael and is just waiting for the right time to stage their breakup … and then in walks Michael’s brother, Zach.  While trying to fight her attraction for a man who doesn’t know the truth about her marriage, she realizes there is more to Michael’s family life than he lets on and decides to push him into resolving some of his issues.  This, of course, puts her well into Zach’s path but she wants the best for Michael and thinks that she can make it thru a two week family vacation unscathed.  Yeah, you know where that’s going. 

Zach is gorgeous, fun and troubled by being drawn to his sister-in-law.  He’s got his own family issues to resolve and, although they aren’t as impactful as Karen or Michael’s, the Gardner family dynamic makes for compelling reading.  Since we know the truth about Karen and Michael, it is a little easier to handle the attraction between her and Zach, but you know it has got to be a very difficult situation for him to be in.  It’s tough enough on Karen when she knows the truth, but Zach just knows that he is irresistibly drawn to his brother’s wife.  Bybee handles it very well and the interactions between the three are very realistic and emotional.  It made me love Michael all the more and I really want to see him happy and soon. 

If you’ve not read one of Bybee’s books, that’s OK – I think it would be fine to start here.  Characters from previous books do make appearances, since they are all very close friends, but from what I can tell (since this is just my second book) the plots don’t bleed over too much.  Yes, you would have met Michael and Karen before but Bybee does a good job of filling in all the details that you need. 

With bold characters, captivating stories, and a snappy writing style, I think Bybee is going to be one of my go-to authors for a long time to come. 

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Fiance by Friday

24 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Fiance by Friday, Weekday Brides Series

New review is now up.

*****

cover24562-medium

Gwen Harrison:
The beautiful, high-born daughter of an English duke came to America to take over her sister-in-law’s matchmaking business.  But just because she’s the boss doesn’t mean she can’t fantasize about making her own perfect match with bodyguard Neil MacBain.  Will the enigmatic man who haunts her dreams cost her more than she bargained for?

Neil MacBain:
The retired Marine can’t deny the effect blue-blooded Gwen has on his troubled soul or his battle-hardened body.  But as a client, Gwen is off-limits—until a threat from Neil’s past returns…and Gwen is caught in the crossfire.  Now to keep her safe he will risk it all: his career, his life…and his heart.

I’ve not read any of Bybee’s “Weekday Brides” books but I definitely think I’m missing out.  Fiance by Friday is more suspense than romance, but it worked for me.  I was caught up right away and felt like it didn’t slow down until it was over.  I will warn other newbies that there are a lot of references to previous characters – it doesn’t directly impact this book, but it made me itch to pick up the other stories to find out more about them.

Gwen is deliciously normal in her proper British way.  She lives in a completely different world than the one that Neil has come from, but it doesn’t stop their attraction.  I’m sure that there has been build up in earlier stories, but Bybee does a great job of setting the stage for them getting together for those new to her books.  Gwen has had a thing for Neil for months but he’s ignored it the best he can.  It doesn’t mean he hasn’t felt it to but he’s better at pushing it away.  Until a secret from his past comes knocking.  Neil is delicious in all of his marine glory so he makes a great ready-for-anything hero.

A good portion of the book is spent trying to figure out what is going on, find who is behind everything, and to catch him.  It’s great for those that like suspense but there isn’t a lot of romantic build-up, so those looking for more of a love story might be disappointed.  If you don’t mind a good mix, though, Fiance by Friday is definitely a winner – full of humor, love and mystery, I couldn’t put it down.

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