Showing posts with label montlake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label montlake. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Review: Lead Me Home by Catherine Bybee

 
Lead Me Home by Catherine Bybee

Lead Me Home (Queen Anne Hill #1) by Catherine Bybee
Publication Date: June 9th 2026 by Montlake & Brilliance Audio
Pages: 351
Audio Book Length: 9hrs 37min
Narrators: Laura Jennings, Alex Knox & Catherine Bybee
Source: Publishers
Rating: ★★★★★

My Thoughts:
Luna’s smart and accomplished as a forensic accountant and happy on her own. Living in the big Victorian left to her and her siblings by their grandmother. Luna’s assigned to a case with Nate, a former FBI Agent specializing in white collar crime, and there’s an immediate spark. When her car is stolen from airport parking and Nate steps in to help, their work relationship shifts into something more personal.
 
Unfortunately, Luna’s narcissistic mother, Karen, shows up without notice, staying with Luna and her roommate, Miley.
 
While Luna was fine on her own, she truly deserved a guy like Nate! I loved their low-drama romance and the way he was there to support her in any way he could. Luna also had support from her friend Miley and her brother and sister and I adored them!
 
Luna’s mother was something else! I felt for Luna so much because everything was about Karen, both in the present and past, whether or not it put her kids in danger. I was outraged on their behalf! Things come to an ugly and dangerous head. I was happy for the way Luna handled things in the end.
 
The author’s note really got to me. Everything she’s been through and accomplished is an inspiration for others!
 
Lead Me Home was captivating from the very first page! I’m guessing the next couple of books will focus on Luna’s siblings, Harper and Ash. I eagerly await the next story!
 
I alternated between a print and audio copy and recommend either version. Laura Jennings had a wonderfully calm voice that had me engrossed with every word. Alex Knox did a wonderful job performing Nate. The dual narration was a treat!

5 Stars


Book Description:

Luna Canning trusts numbers more than people-and for good reason. As a forensic accountant who specializes in exposing fraud, she knows numbers never deceive, unlike the toxic family she's spent a lifetime trying to escape. Now living in her grandmother's Victorian home, Luna has built a carefully ordered life behind walls she thought were unbreakable.

When her car is stolen from an airport parking lot, former FBI agent turned PI Nate Warren steps in to help-and proves more dangerous to her defenses than any thief. Despite Luna's iron-clad rules about mixing business with pleasure, their chemistry ignites, and for the first time, she considers letting someone past her guard. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Luna's manipulative mother arrives unannounced, dragging with her a dangerous man and decades of unresolved trauma that threaten everything Luna has built.

Now Luna must confront the ghosts of her past-both metaphorical and possibly literal, as strange occurrences in her historic home suggest she's not alone. With a violent threat looming and her heart on the line, Luna discovers that sometimes the hardest person to trust is yourself.



About the author:

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written nearly 50 books that have collectively sold more than 11 million copies. Her titles have been translated into more than 20 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 popular Not Quite, Weekday Brides, Most Likely To, First Wives, D'Angelos, Heirs, and Queen Anne Hill series. 


Connect with Catherine Bybee:





Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Review: Maybe One Day by Catherine Bybee

 
Maybe One Day (The D'Angelos #5) by Catherine Bybee

Maybe One Day (The D'Angelos #5)  by Catherine Bybee
Publication Date: November 11th 2025 by Montlake
Pages: 351
Source: Author
Rating: ★★★★★

My Thoughts:
At fifty-five, Mari, the beloved matriarch of the D’Angelo family, leads a full life surrounded by family, love, and the bustling energy of her thriving Italian restaurant. Since losing her husband a decade ago, romance has been the last thing on her mind. But at the gentle urging of her best friend Rosa, Mari agrees to join a Caribbean cruise. There she meets James, a single father coaxed aboard by his daughters, who worry about leaving him behind as they head off to college.
 
The excursions and activities they share, like the unforgettable waterfall hike, are not only fun to imagine but also provide the perfect backdrop for Mari and James to connect. Their relationship blossoms naturally, reminding us that love often finds us when we least expect it.
 
I was delighted to see Mari finally step into the spotlight with her own romance. The challenges she and James face feel authentic, grounded in real life rather than contrived drama, and refreshingly free of the typical “third-act breakup.” I was captivated from start to finish, savoring every moment of their heartfelt journey.


5 Stars







Book Description:

A Caribbean cruise opens a widow’s heart to a love she never expected in a breathtaking novel about second chances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee.


Mari D’Angelo’s life is complete. Her children are all married. Two grandbabies fill her days, with two more on the way, and her thriving family restaurant is running on autopilot. Not once in the ten years since she’s become a widow has Mari considered another love of her own. Until she sets sail on a singles cruise to placate her recently divorced best friend. Then James comes crashing into Mari’s world.

Charming, witty, and with two daughters of his own, James isn’t looking for love either. But Mari is as irresistible as she is beautiful. As their simmering attraction grows, Mari’s resolve to ignore the spark James has ignited slowly breaks away. She promised her beloved late husband she’d find someone new. Maybe that impossible day has come.

Knowing her protective sons would not approve, Mari chooses to keep the romance a secret. After all, there is no reason for her family to know about James if their relationship doesn’t work out. It’s up to James to prove he can be trusted with the heart of a woman he’s come to cherish. But without her family’s approval, their love doesn’t stand a chance.


Read the first four books in the series–When It Falls Apart, Be Your Everything, Beginning of Forever, and The Whole Time–available now on #kindleunlimited.




About the Author:
Catherine Bybee is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of forty-five novels that have collectively sold more than eleven 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, the D’Angelos series, and the First Wives series, among others. For more information, visit www.catherinebybee.com

Connect with Catherine Bybee:



Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Review: No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee

 
No More Yesterdays (The Heirs #3) by Catherine Bybee

No More Yesterdays (The Heirs #3)  by Catherine Bybee
Publication Date: June 17th 2025 by Montlake
Pages: 392
Source: Author
Rating: ★★★★½

My Thoughts:
Along with her brothers, Alex Stone inherited her father's billions and his company, Stone Enterprises, a hotel empire. Taking over as CEO hasn’t been smooth sailing. Being undermined and second guessed is tiring, especially since Alex has worked in the industry for years.  She can deal with all of that, but a dangerous situation at a business event and serious threats directed at her and the company have the Stone siblings evaluating their security. This is where Hawk Bronson and his security team come in.
 
Hawk and Alex are thrown together as he’s assigned to protect her making the immediate attraction they feel hard to resist. There were intense situations, but they also had some quiet time to get to know each other. I was all in.
 
The mystery was engrossing and there were a few suspects. Lots of interesting bits discovered in this installment about the company leading to more questions.
 
No More Yesterdays hooked me from the first page! Mystery, suspense, danger and romance all combined together for an exciting read! I felt like each aspect was balanced nicely. The mystery/series wrapped up in a thrilling and satisfying conclusion!  
 
While No More Yesterdays is part of a series, it could be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Each book is currently available as a “Read and Listen for Free” on Kindle Unlimited.






Book Description:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee lights the fuse, and the Stone siblings must rely on their wits and hearts to uncover a dangerous enemy…and an explosive secret.

Taking over her late father’s company was never part of Alex Stone’s life plan.

But now, sitting in the CEO chair at Stone Enterprises, she’s resigned to living her life alone. Being a high-powered, billionaire woman tends to narrow one’s romantic prospects. As Alex works relentlessly to reshape her inherited hotel empire, she’s acquired a target on her back complete with death threats.

Alex turns to Hawk Bronson, a man who is equal parts bodyguard, sexy, and completely infuriating. Especially when it comes to protecting her.

As the danger escalates, Hawk comes to terms with the fact that their connection goes way beyond bodyguard and assignment. He knows he should keep his distance—his own dark past and nightmares put her at greater risk—but he can’t walk away. Protecting Alex means everything. Putting her life in someone else’s care isn’t an option once he’s tasted their passion and depth of his feelings.

As they navigate a minefield of family secrets, past pain, and unexpected hope, Alex and Hawk must face their deepest fears and fight for a future together. But first, they’ll need to unmask whoever is behind the threats—before Alex becomes their next victim.

Read books one and two in The Heirs series–All Our Tomorrows and The Forgotten One– available now on #kindleunlimited.



AUTHOR BIO

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written over forty-five books that have collectively sold more than eleven million copies. Her titles 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 popular Not Quite, Weekday Brides, Most Likely To, First Wives, and D’Angelos series. 


Connect with Catherine Bybee:





Friday, November 15, 2024

Review: The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee

 

The Forgotten One (The Heirs #2)  by Catherine Bybee
Publication Date: November 12th 2024 by Montlake
Pages: 378
Source: Publicist
Rating: ★★★★½

My Thoughts:
Max Smith finds out that he’s the illegitimate son of billionaire Alex Stone, who’s died and left him part heir to his empire. This comes as a shock since he was told his parents were dead and he was shuffled from one foster home to another. He’s also gained two half-siblings. There’s already some strife within the family’s corporation, and so they want to control how the news is released to the board, and the public. This is where reporter Sarah McNeilly comes in.
 
Sarah and Max form a connection right away even though she was sent to dig up dirt on him. It’s quickly apparent that Sarah is a principled journalist. Sarah also helps Max find information on his mother, a difficult journey for Max.
 
I was thrilled that Max and his siblings found each other! Max needed someone in his corner, never having had a stable family in the past. Max and Sarah had instant chemistry, but their relationship felt like it progressed naturally and believably. No ridiculous, contrived third act breakup!
 
The Forgotten One was an engrossing romance, but also a feel-good story with Max initially leading a lonely, monotonous existence and having all that change into a life full of love, prosperity and family! It put a warm glow in my heart.
 
The author’s note touched on her own personal experiences with foster care. It was emotional and made the story even more moving!

4.5 Stars





Book Description:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee spins a dazzling tale of long-lost relatives, overnight riches, and unexpected romance in the dramatic second book of The Heirs series.


Sarah McNeilly is a rare find in the tabloid industry. She won’t ignite gossip. She finds the truth. And for once, that’s what her boss wants. With her job on the line, Sarah’s latest assignment is to identify the elusive “Maximillian Smith,” unearth his connection to the billionaire Stone family, and dig up some dirt.


Yesterday Max was an ordinary working man, concerned with little more than the price of gas. Now he suddenly has a family, jaw-dropping wealth, and an avid (if clumsy) reporter on his trail. With the press threatening to destroy his new life, he needs to release his real story strategically, and Sarah is the key—not to mention an adorable yet invaluable resource for finding his mother.


As Max and Sarah team up to peel back the ugly layers of Max’s past, they stumble heart-first into their fiery attraction. But when their research threatens their newly built trust, it’s their future that is on the line.

Read book one in The Heirs series, All Our Tomorrows, available now on #kindleunlimited.

 


Author Bio:

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written over forty-five books that have collectively sold more than eleven million copies. Her titles 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 popular Not Quite, Weekday Brides, Most Likely To, and First Wives series. 


Connect with Catherine Bybee:



Friday, November 17, 2023

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: ★★★★

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.

 

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Review: Closer to You by Jill Sanders

 

Closer to You (Haven, Montana #1) by Jill Sanders
Publication Date: September 12th 2023 by Montlake Romance 
Pages: 283
Source: Author/Kindle Unlimited
Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:
Kristen is in Haven, Montana to convince the McGowan’s to sell their oil business. She’s worked tirelessly for JB Holdings and this deal should be the advance she’s been striving for. However, as she stays and works with Tyler and his family, Kristen starts to wonder why her company is so dead set on acquiring the McGowan’s business. As Kristen digs deeper into the puzzle, she and Tyler get closer and she starts to yearn for a more meaningful life, in this small, beautiful town.

Tyler McGowan never expected to be running his family’s business, but the tragic death of his father has him stepping into the role. He’s proud of the business and has no intention of selling out, but JB Holdings is persistent. Kristen should be the enemy, but at every turn she helps them out. Yes, she’s gorgeous, but there’s a good person underneath the designer clothes and business drive.

I enjoy a good fish-out-of-water kind of story and city-girl, Kristen was definitely out of her element in the small town of Haven, Montana. I loved seeing her priorities shift from corporate ladder climber/fashionista to appreciating the more important things in life as she stayed in Haven.

Kristen and Tyler are immediately attracted physically with lots of chemistry. I do wish they would’ve admitted the depth of their true feelings earlier, but I get that insecurities held them back.

The whole mystery surrounding the sabotage, destruction and then threat to Kristen added an extra layer of excitement to the story. One that kept me turning the pages! Some of it was resolved, but some aspects were not. I’m guessing it will be an ongoing story arc in the series.

I’m looking forward to the next one!

4 Stars


Book Description:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…


 

Monday, July 10, 2023

Review: Beginning of Forever by Catherine Bybee

 

Beginning of Forever (The D'Angelo's #3) by Catherine Bybee
Publication Date: June 27th 2023 by Montlake Romance
Pages: 347
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BAM | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Emma Rutledge has been disappointed and frustrated by her father’s treatment. She’s worked hard for the family’s winery and yet her father has discounted her efforts, passing her over for promotions. His latest decision is the final straw pushing Emma to take an extended vacation as she mulls over her options. To help with that her mother gifts her a wine tour through Italy.

Giovanni D’Angelo studied to become a sommelier, but his dream is to create wine. But also, to find love and settle down. He’s put his goals aside to help with the family restaurant, but they understand his passion and gift him the same wine tour Emma’s on. Of course, they meet, sparks fly, but Giovanni wants more than just a holiday affair.

Italy sounded lovely, beautifully described, making me want to book my own tour! Emma and Giovanni’s time together on the trip started out fun and flirty, but turned deeper as the days went by. I loved the advice from the “Golden Girls”, a fun group of older women on the tour, that made them both step back and think about what’s really important in life.

Giovanni’s steadfast support made me swoon! Not only with sorting out Emma’s future career, and standing up to her father, but also when Emma faces a potentially serious medical diagnosis.

Beginning of Forever combined so many things I love in a romance: hot chemistry, a dreamy setting, a big, loving family, and wine! Italy sounded amazing! The perfect setting to start a steamy affair and fall in love! I’ve been loving the D’Angelo series from the beginning, so it was nice to “see” the previous couples and catch up with the other members of that boisterous bunch!

 4.5 Stars


Book Description:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes the story of two wine enthusiasts who ride the ups and downs of love in the vineyards of Tuscany.

Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.

For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.

When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.

As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.

It’s each other.


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.

 




 

Monday, November 28, 2022

Review: Be Your Everything by Catherine Bybee



Be Your Everything (The D'Angelo's #2) by Catherine Bybee
Publication Date: November 15th 2022 by Montlake Romance
Pages: 347
Source: Publicist
Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:
Chloe and Dante have crushed on each other from afar for years. Chloe had no idea Dante was attracted to her, and she’s been off limits to Dante since she’s his best friend’s younger sister. However, all these feelings come to a head when they’re off in Las Vegas celebrating her brother’s pending nuptials. After a night of drinking, they wind up married. Can they have a future starting everything backwards or should they undo their hasty decision?

I’m a fan of the unrequited love trope, because after longing for someone so long it’s satisfying to see them happy together. I thought Chloe would be happy to be married to Dante, but there were other things at play, such as the reactions of her family. Being Catholic she worried about disappointing her family, mother mostly, by not having a big church wedding, and then Dante was worried Chloe’s brothers would be seriously ticked after warning him off of her for years. Dante had a reputation of being a player, so I get that. Also, there was some questions in Chloe’s mind about Dante’s true feelings for her, so some insecurities had to be dealt with.

I enjoyed seeing them gradually open up and settle in together. The family was another issue, and I was happy they presented a united front while smoothing ruffled feathers.

There was also an element of danger to Chloe as some unusual things started happening to her as soon as she got back from her trip. It was easy to guess the culprit, but there were some tense moments when I worried for her!

I’m enjoying the D’Angelo series! The big Italian family, the setting, both in the US and out, and the romances. Chloe and Dante’s romance steamed up the pages, but also felt like a real relationship, not just something based in fantasy and wish fulfillment. I look forward to the next one!

Be You Everything is available to purchase now and is also available through Kindle Unlimited “Read & Listen for Free” with the program. Love that option!

4 Stars


Book Description:

With two protective older brothers and a traditional Catholic Italian mother, it’s surprising that Chloe D’Angelo can manage a date without someone in the family naysaying her romantic choice. And Dante Mancuso…oh, no. Her brother’s best friend is not a dating-app right swipe.

But when they are left unsupervised on a late night in Vegas, all of that changes. Add in a Vegas wedding chapel and a couple of “I dos” and Chloe wakes up with a ring on her finger and a hangover. Dating Dante was always a secret desire, but marriage? The rift that this news would cause in her family has the both of them keeping their nuptials to themselves as they scramble to undo their Vegas mistake.

Dante knew the rules: Chloe was off limits. Only he can’t stop once his mind starts to believe she might be his forever. Just as their attraction deepens, Chloe flees to Bali, desperate to clear her head.

All Dante has to do is keep her brothers from killing him and convince her that they are meant for each other. But first, Dante has to find her.



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-six 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. Learn more about Catherine and her books at www.catherinebybee.com