Review: The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee

 

The Whole Time (The D'Angelos #4)  by Catherine Bybee

Publication Date: November 14th 2023 by Montlake

Pages: 363

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Selena Barone has lived with her parents and worked for the D’Angelo’s family restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, which was fine since she just wanted to have fun, but at 26 she needs independence. Her parents feel she shouldn’t move out unless she’s marrying. Unfortunately, as Selena discovers, being an adult on her own is expensive, and while she loves at the D’Angelo’s since they’re like family, it doesn’t quite cover the bills. Selena gets an unexpected break doing something she loves, yet she’s apprehensive about telling others, worried about how her parents and friends will react. She knows her parents would completely disapprove and judge.

Falling for Ryan Rutledge isn’t part of her plan, but their instant attraction takes hold. Their romance is a slow dance, since Selena isn’t keen on jumping in after she’s been hounded by her parents over and over to find a man and become a wife. Like that should be the only appropriate goal for a woman.

The D’Angelo’s were a large, loving Italian family, a bit nosy, but it all came from a place of love. The mother made me laugh. Selena’s parents, not so much. They were overbearing and too much. Thankfully Selena handled them well.

The Whole Time was an easy-going romance, with Selena finding her path as an adult, managing family expectations, and finding happiness. I enjoyed Selena’s journey growing up and falling in love. The romance was a slow burn, full of chemistry!

4 Stars

Book Description:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a tale of a strong-willed dancer exercising her independence and the rich biker she can’t let go.

Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.

 

About the author:

Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total, she has written thirty-nine beloved books that have collectively sold more than 10 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope 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, The Weekday Brides series, The Most Likely To series, and The First Wives series.