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First Wives #4
Faking Forever
A Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Amazon Charts bestseller.
From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a new First Wives novel about wanting a family…and finding love.
Shannon Wentworth’s biological clock is ticking, and she isn’t going to let her single status keep her from having a baby. When her wedding-photography business takes her to Mexico, she has every intention of finding a willing baby daddy to help her out. Until the bride goes AWOL, leaving Shannon to coddle the arrogant fiancé who has accused her of sabotaging his wedding.
Victor Brooks never could have imagined that he’d be on a honeymoon for one. Only here he is, taking a hard look at his life after the younger women he thought he loved walked out. The woman who volunteers to help him reflect is the last person he expects to be attracted to. Between the tequila, the sun, and one earth-shattering kiss, Victor finds Shannon a distraction too sexy to ignore.
They strike a wait three months, cool off, and see if their tropical beach attraction is worth taking up when they go back home. Unfortunately, that’s just enough time for the past to come calling. All their best-laid plans are at risk. So is the last thing Shannon expected to matter the her heart.
From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a new First Wives novel about wanting a family…and finding love.
Shannon Wentworth’s biological clock is ticking, and she isn’t going to let her single status keep her from having a baby. When her wedding-photography business takes her to Mexico, she has every intention of finding a willing baby daddy to help her out. Until the bride goes AWOL, leaving Shannon to coddle the arrogant fiancé who has accused her of sabotaging his wedding.
Victor Brooks never could have imagined that he’d be on a honeymoon for one. Only here he is, taking a hard look at his life after the younger women he thought he loved walked out. The woman who volunteers to help him reflect is the last person he expects to be attracted to. Between the tequila, the sun, and one earth-shattering kiss, Victor finds Shannon a distraction too sexy to ignore.
They strike a wait three months, cool off, and see if their tropical beach attraction is worth taking up when they go back home. Unfortunately, that’s just enough time for the past to come calling. All their best-laid plans are at risk. So is the last thing Shannon expected to matter the her heart.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2019
4829 people are currently reading
3051 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bybee
60 books21k followersNew York Times Bestselling Author
USA Today Bestselling Author
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
#1 IndieReader Bestselling Author
RONE Award Winner 2012
Not Quite Dating
Married by Monday
RONE award Winner 2013
Not Quite Enough
Winner of the More Than Magic Award for Paranormal romance 2011
Silent Vows
Finalist RT Award in Contemporary Romance
Fiance by Friday
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 International Bestselling Not Quite series, the MacCoinnich Time Travel series as well as the Internationally Bestselling Weekday Brides series.
Her books have been translated in over twenty languages.
USA Today Bestselling Author
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
#1 IndieReader Bestselling Author
RONE Award Winner 2012
Not Quite Dating
Married by Monday
RONE award Winner 2013
Not Quite Enough
Winner of the More Than Magic Award for Paranormal romance 2011
Silent Vows
Finalist RT Award in Contemporary Romance
Fiance by Friday
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 International Bestselling Not Quite series, the MacCoinnich Time Travel series as well as the Internationally Bestselling Weekday Brides series.
Her books have been translated in over twenty languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
March 25, 2019
Disappointed.
I had less problem with her wanting a baby from a stranger, than with her NOT once thinking about STDs... Coz, if I learned it right in school, you should have unprotected sex to conceive a child...
Anyway, totally unlikable male protagonist. Bad. The way he treated her and all the others - asshole. But well, aren't they all? *eye roll*
No idea, if it was safe. I assume he had sex with his ex the night before wedding and after he met the heroine... It wouldn't change my rating, so moving on.
The whole their-exes-want-them-back plot at the end was ridiculous. Her ex didn't contact her for years, but then suddenly reappeared to cause drama?
Bummer they trashed his ex, she was actually a cool girl. She left this douchebag and I wanted to high five her. But in order to pimp the heroine, they needed to show his evil ex in a bad light, so yeah.... well -> cheap...
"Victor had made love to many women in his life. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t enjoyed nearly every one."
If the above line should have aroused me as a reader, I need to check my hormonal level at first...
I had less problem with her wanting a baby from a stranger, than with her NOT once thinking about STDs... Coz, if I learned it right in school, you should have unprotected sex to conceive a child...
Anyway, totally unlikable male protagonist. Bad. The way he treated her and all the others - asshole. But well, aren't they all? *eye roll*
No idea, if it was safe. I assume he had sex with his ex the night before wedding and after he met the heroine... It wouldn't change my rating, so moving on.
The whole their-exes-want-them-back plot at the end was ridiculous. Her ex didn't contact her for years, but then suddenly reappeared to cause drama?
Bummer they trashed his ex, she was actually a cool girl. She left this douchebag and I wanted to high five her. But in order to pimp the heroine, they needed to show his evil ex in a bad light, so yeah.... well -> cheap...
"Victor had made love to many women in his life. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t enjoyed nearly every one."
If the above line should have aroused me as a reader, I need to check my hormonal level at first...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2019
This book really surprised me in the best way possible. With a jilted groom and a heroine who is looking for a one night stand to be a baby daddy, I wasn’t sure if this author could make me love these characters. I should’ve never doubted her because I did. Every step of the way.
When Shannon plans to lengthen her working trip to include a hunt for a baby daddy, she had one iron clad rule in place. He must never be able hunt her down after the fact. In order to accomplish that goal, it would mean finding a man that who would never want to find her. With her plans firmly in place she heads out. Unfortunately, the a-hole seated next to her riles her to before unknown heights and acting completely out of character for her, she lays into him.
Victor is a busy man but the woman seated next to him is quick to point out how terribly rude he is as well as informing him what she would do if he were her boyfriend…and it’s not friendly. Surprises abound when this couple meet again and realize that he is the groom and she is his wedding photographer. When his bride to be takes off, Victor remembers her caustic words.
I loved watching this couple work through their individual issues even as they try to avoid the chemistry brewing between them.
Watching both of these characters grow in the best ways possible was soo good! When they were together I could feel the sizzle even as I was smiling from ear to ear. They were both so charming and endearing and together they were magic. I loved that the time constraints they had placed on their relationship was tenuous at best.
This is a lengthier book but is actually a fast read as things are constantly moving. The drama is relatively low angst despite the breakup of Victor’s wedding and some other outside forces that want to tear them apart. Their conflict is handled rather quickly and we are given a great epilogue that not only shows us this couple down the road but a bit of the other couples as well.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
When Shannon plans to lengthen her working trip to include a hunt for a baby daddy, she had one iron clad rule in place. He must never be able hunt her down after the fact. In order to accomplish that goal, it would mean finding a man that who would never want to find her. With her plans firmly in place she heads out. Unfortunately, the a-hole seated next to her riles her to before unknown heights and acting completely out of character for her, she lays into him.
Victor is a busy man but the woman seated next to him is quick to point out how terribly rude he is as well as informing him what she would do if he were her boyfriend…and it’s not friendly. Surprises abound when this couple meet again and realize that he is the groom and she is his wedding photographer. When his bride to be takes off, Victor remembers her caustic words.
I loved watching this couple work through their individual issues even as they try to avoid the chemistry brewing between them.
Watching both of these characters grow in the best ways possible was soo good! When they were together I could feel the sizzle even as I was smiling from ear to ear. They were both so charming and endearing and together they were magic. I loved that the time constraints they had placed on their relationship was tenuous at best.
This is a lengthier book but is actually a fast read as things are constantly moving. The drama is relatively low angst despite the breakup of Victor’s wedding and some other outside forces that want to tear them apart. Their conflict is handled rather quickly and we are given a great epilogue that not only shows us this couple down the road but a bit of the other couples as well.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
March 12, 2019
Wow! Not what I was expecting and I loved it! Shannon has been the most reserved character in this whole series. She was still in love with her first husband and was always the voice of reason in this group of women. She never really stood out because the rest of the First Wives had such huge personality.
We got to see a side to Shannon we have never experienced before. I love the way her and Victor met, reacted to each other and then ultimately fell in love. It's an enemies to lovers trope that I admit I usually struggle with, but not in Shannon and Victor's book. I actually, really loved how they got started and how he brought out her sass. The sparks flew from the start!
This whole series has been fantastic. I'm really sad to see it end. I'm hoping Sasha gets a story but I don't think she is a first wife so maybe a start to a new series? One can hope.
We got to see a side to Shannon we have never experienced before. I love the way her and Victor met, reacted to each other and then ultimately fell in love. It's an enemies to lovers trope that I admit I usually struggle with, but not in Shannon and Victor's book. I actually, really loved how they got started and how he brought out her sass. The sparks flew from the start!
This whole series has been fantastic. I'm really sad to see it end. I'm hoping Sasha gets a story but I don't think she is a first wife so maybe a start to a new series? One can hope.
March 26, 2019
4.5 Stars
Shannon’s been the most subdued character in this series, kind of in the background, not outspoken at all. We’ve got hints that she’s sad over the breakup of her marriage. It was a business arrangement, but Shannon fell in love with her husband, and hoped he felt the same. Instead, he served her divorce papers the day after the agreed upon date was up. Now that Shannon’s turning thirty-five her biological clock is ticking, and she’s determined to have a baby even though she doesn’t have a man. Her latest photo shoot job, a destination wedding, fits in nicely with her plans as she intends to stay after the job finishes, and find a man to father her baby, someone she’ll never see again. She never thought the annoying groom-to-be would put a wrench into the works.
On the plane ride over to the wedding site, Shannon meets Victor and is immediately irritated by his rude behavior and lets him know, something that’s out of character for her. She has no idea he’s the groom of the wedding she’s supposed to shoot, but they knock heads even after she learns who he is. A fun push and pull! The bride takes off leaving Victor at the altar, and Shannon and Victor end up spending a lot more time together, not that they’re happy about it, at first.
I was a little worried about Victor, because he was supposed to be marrying another woman, and the romance develops with Shannon happens while he was to have been on his honeymoon. However, it’s quickly apparent that Victor and his intended bride were never really in love. Shannon and Victor do try and put off dating for a time to make sure they’re not a rebound sort of romance, but that only works for a little while because they can’t stay away from each other.
This is a classic hate-to-love romance; a slow burn situation as Victor and Shannon get to know each other. They spent a lot of time platonically while the heat turns up between them, falling a little harder each day. It was lovely! There are some insecurities on both sides, a little bit of drama from exes, but nothing exasperating or over-the-top, just the type of real-life bumps you run into while falling in love.
The cherry on top was the HEA epilogue that not only featured Shannon and Victor in the future, but also the other previous couples in the series!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shannon’s been the most subdued character in this series, kind of in the background, not outspoken at all. We’ve got hints that she’s sad over the breakup of her marriage. It was a business arrangement, but Shannon fell in love with her husband, and hoped he felt the same. Instead, he served her divorce papers the day after the agreed upon date was up. Now that Shannon’s turning thirty-five her biological clock is ticking, and she’s determined to have a baby even though she doesn’t have a man. Her latest photo shoot job, a destination wedding, fits in nicely with her plans as she intends to stay after the job finishes, and find a man to father her baby, someone she’ll never see again. She never thought the annoying groom-to-be would put a wrench into the works.
On the plane ride over to the wedding site, Shannon meets Victor and is immediately irritated by his rude behavior and lets him know, something that’s out of character for her. She has no idea he’s the groom of the wedding she’s supposed to shoot, but they knock heads even after she learns who he is. A fun push and pull! The bride takes off leaving Victor at the altar, and Shannon and Victor end up spending a lot more time together, not that they’re happy about it, at first.
I was a little worried about Victor, because he was supposed to be marrying another woman, and the romance develops with Shannon happens while he was to have been on his honeymoon. However, it’s quickly apparent that Victor and his intended bride were never really in love. Shannon and Victor do try and put off dating for a time to make sure they’re not a rebound sort of romance, but that only works for a little while because they can’t stay away from each other.
This is a classic hate-to-love romance; a slow burn situation as Victor and Shannon get to know each other. They spent a lot of time platonically while the heat turns up between them, falling a little harder each day. It was lovely! There are some insecurities on both sides, a little bit of drama from exes, but nothing exasperating or over-the-top, just the type of real-life bumps you run into while falling in love.
The cherry on top was the HEA epilogue that not only featured Shannon and Victor in the future, but also the other previous couples in the series!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2019
This is a good old fashion romance, an enemies to lovers and second chance troupe with just the right amounts of angsty and drama. And with an fabulous girlfriend group to round out the story, this romance is delightful, delicious and dreamy.
Shannon is a divorcée in her group of girlfriends. Her marriage ending has a twist that intrigued me and definitely makes me want to go back and read the other books in the series. She’s a photographer and has been hired to shoot a destination wedding in Cancun. But when chaos erupts due to a runaway bride, Shannon is left to deal with the arrogant groom. Thankfully Shannon’s girlfriend comes to keep an eye on her while in Tulum because of Shannon’s crazy “find a baby daddy” scheme. And when they befriend a couple staying at the resort, this party of 5 makes for a fun and very interesting vacation!
The blurb sets the story up pretty well. Shannon and Victor have a volatile start but there is definitely fireworks between them. I love their push and pull relationship, their fiery banter and how the sexual chemistry is off the charts. When couples are slightly older, they don’t have to play the games and it’s so refreshing to read. Their courtship is quite sweet and romantic and filled with just a little drama. And then there is her band of girlfriends and their husbands. I adore their relationship and how fierce and loyal they are to each other.
Overall a very enjoyable and romantic read. This is my first read from this author and I will definitely be picking up more in the future!!
*advanced copy provided by Netgalley and Montlake Romance, in exchange for an honest review*
Shannon is a divorcée in her group of girlfriends. Her marriage ending has a twist that intrigued me and definitely makes me want to go back and read the other books in the series. She’s a photographer and has been hired to shoot a destination wedding in Cancun. But when chaos erupts due to a runaway bride, Shannon is left to deal with the arrogant groom. Thankfully Shannon’s girlfriend comes to keep an eye on her while in Tulum because of Shannon’s crazy “find a baby daddy” scheme. And when they befriend a couple staying at the resort, this party of 5 makes for a fun and very interesting vacation!
The blurb sets the story up pretty well. Shannon and Victor have a volatile start but there is definitely fireworks between them. I love their push and pull relationship, their fiery banter and how the sexual chemistry is off the charts. When couples are slightly older, they don’t have to play the games and it’s so refreshing to read. Their courtship is quite sweet and romantic and filled with just a little drama. And then there is her band of girlfriends and their husbands. I adore their relationship and how fierce and loyal they are to each other.
Overall a very enjoyable and romantic read. This is my first read from this author and I will definitely be picking up more in the future!!
*advanced copy provided by Netgalley and Montlake Romance, in exchange for an honest review*
March 24, 2019
This is a lovely surprise:)
My first from this author.
I like how the H/h started their relationship and being adult about it.
No insta in here! No stupid tantrums or cheesy story about how you end up with a jilted groom, then questioning yourself if you are a second best either.
I feel sorry little bit for the runaway bride, but it was obvious she and the hero wanted to marry in the first place for the wrong reasons.
This is a series about 4 women but I didn’t find a problem reading this one as a stand alone and found this book by accident on KU ❤️.
My first from this author.
I like how the H/h started their relationship and being adult about it.
No insta in here! No stupid tantrums or cheesy story about how you end up with a jilted groom, then questioning yourself if you are a second best either.
I feel sorry little bit for the runaway bride, but it was obvious she and the hero wanted to marry in the first place for the wrong reasons.
This is a series about 4 women but I didn’t find a problem reading this one as a stand alone and found this book by accident on KU ❤️.
March 12, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
FAKING FOREVER (First Wives Book 4) by Catherine Bybee is a contemporary romance and the fourth book in this series. I have been anxiously waiting for Shannon’s story. It was not what I was expecting or hoping for and yet it was the perfect story for Shannon’s HEA and I loved it.
Shannon Wentworth is in Mexico as the photographer for a destination wedding. She has decided that while she is in Mexico, she will also find willing man to give her what she desires – a baby. Her biological clock is ticking and she is not going to let being single stop her.
Victor Brooks is a workaholic in Mexico to marry his much younger finance. She walks out and he is suddenly alone on a honeymoon for one. Victor blames Shannon of sabotaging his wedding.
Even though Victor blames Shannon, the sparks are flying between the two. Shannon thought she knew Victor’s type, but between the beautiful Mexican setting, tequila and sun she discovers a very different side to the man. They go from enemies to wanting more. Worried that it is just the surroundings, they both decide to return home and wait three months to see if they can be just as attracted to each other at home.
But the past comes calling and all of their plans are at risk.
Shannon surprised me in this book. She was always the quiet and steady First Wife. I was expecting a different romance for Shannon and yet Ms. Bybee took me to a completely new place and made it perfect. The emotional changes in both Shannon and Victor make this work. It was also great to catch up with the other First Wives. Their bond is what made these stories special for me. Ms. Bybee always gives me an emotionally realistic romance read that is hard to put down and this one had some unique twists. I am sorry to see the First Wives all paired up now, but hopefully Sasha will get a story even though she is not technically a First Wife.
Thank you so much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC. It has been a wonderfully entertaining romantic series.
FAKING FOREVER (First Wives Book 4) by Catherine Bybee is a contemporary romance and the fourth book in this series. I have been anxiously waiting for Shannon’s story. It was not what I was expecting or hoping for and yet it was the perfect story for Shannon’s HEA and I loved it.
Shannon Wentworth is in Mexico as the photographer for a destination wedding. She has decided that while she is in Mexico, she will also find willing man to give her what she desires – a baby. Her biological clock is ticking and she is not going to let being single stop her.
Victor Brooks is a workaholic in Mexico to marry his much younger finance. She walks out and he is suddenly alone on a honeymoon for one. Victor blames Shannon of sabotaging his wedding.
Even though Victor blames Shannon, the sparks are flying between the two. Shannon thought she knew Victor’s type, but between the beautiful Mexican setting, tequila and sun she discovers a very different side to the man. They go from enemies to wanting more. Worried that it is just the surroundings, they both decide to return home and wait three months to see if they can be just as attracted to each other at home.
But the past comes calling and all of their plans are at risk.
Shannon surprised me in this book. She was always the quiet and steady First Wife. I was expecting a different romance for Shannon and yet Ms. Bybee took me to a completely new place and made it perfect. The emotional changes in both Shannon and Victor make this work. It was also great to catch up with the other First Wives. Their bond is what made these stories special for me. Ms. Bybee always gives me an emotionally realistic romance read that is hard to put down and this one had some unique twists. I am sorry to see the First Wives all paired up now, but hopefully Sasha will get a story even though she is not technically a First Wife.
Thank you so much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC. It has been a wonderfully entertaining romantic series.
March 14, 2019
Faking Forever was the first book I read in The First Wives Series and it could totally be read as a standalone but I loved each and every character so much that I regret not starting from the beginning! Now, I am going to go back to the beginning because I absolutely LOVED this story!
I devoured these pages, I was sucked in as soon as I read the first page and I never looked back. Shannon and Victor’s story was so great from the very beginning that you couldn’t help but feel the need to get to the end ASAP.
I loved how graceful yet sassy Shannon was and her need to start a family without a man in the picture. She was bold and confident in this story and I admired the hell out of her every step of the way.
Victor was grumpy and a workaholic who didn’t have a clue what he really wanted, that is until Shannon literally “fell” into his lap. I loved watching his walls crumbling down with the need for her and the need for love.
Faking Forever was so charming and even funny at times, I felt myself chuckling more than once while reading this. If you love character driven stories and heartwarming but funny romance’s then I have found the one for you!
Now excuse me while I go devour the other three books in The First Wives Series because I definitely need more of these ladies and these incredible romance novels!
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy to review.**
I devoured these pages, I was sucked in as soon as I read the first page and I never looked back. Shannon and Victor’s story was so great from the very beginning that you couldn’t help but feel the need to get to the end ASAP.
I loved how graceful yet sassy Shannon was and her need to start a family without a man in the picture. She was bold and confident in this story and I admired the hell out of her every step of the way.
Victor was grumpy and a workaholic who didn’t have a clue what he really wanted, that is until Shannon literally “fell” into his lap. I loved watching his walls crumbling down with the need for her and the need for love.
Faking Forever was so charming and even funny at times, I felt myself chuckling more than once while reading this. If you love character driven stories and heartwarming but funny romance’s then I have found the one for you!
Now excuse me while I go devour the other three books in The First Wives Series because I definitely need more of these ladies and these incredible romance novels!
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy to review.**
March 17, 2019
I can't get enough of this series!
The woman friendship done right, their wit and bantering, the good men they get paired with, the chemistry and resulting steam and the dash of mistery thrown in the mix that keeps me on my toes... I NEED THIS BOOK NOW. I NEED MORE
The woman friendship done right, their wit and bantering, the good men they get paired with, the chemistry and resulting steam and the dash of mistery thrown in the mix that keeps me on my toes... I NEED THIS BOOK NOW. I NEED MORE
March 13, 2019
“Give me three months and then give me a chance. Wait for me. Let me be the next man to kiss these lips.”
Some of my favourite reads have been of the unplanned kind, where the book somehow ‘found’ me, rather than the other way around, but it doesn’t happen all too often that a single book sends me down the rabbit hole in such a way that before I know it, I’ve not only read the whole series, but purchased the author’s ENTIRE back catalogue, too. From the moment I read the blurb, I knew this story would be my catnip—be it because of a heroine whose biological clock is ticking away, or a hero who’s left at the altar, or the mounting sexual tension that inevitably comes with a love/hate scenario—but little did I know I would love it SO SO much. This story had everything I always hope to find in a great romance—depth, emotion, banter, tremendous chemistry between the characters, perfect pacing, and even a few moments where I had to hold back the tears—but it is Catherine Bybee’s sublime writing that turns a great story with a fairly simple premise into an extraordinary one. And as I’ve discovered since then, she does it oh-so effortlessly time and time again.
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March 14, 2019
Loved this new book in the First Wives series! Shannon was always my fave “First Wife” & Victor was so sweet. And their HEA? Perfect. Apparently there will be five books in this series, but with no more available first wives, I wonder who will be the main character?
March 17, 2019
4 1/2 "Because Garfunkel is a lousy first name." Stars!
I really enjoyed this one. Great main characters and great story. Fun, easy, mostly light read. Happy reading!
I really enjoyed this one. Great main characters and great story. Fun, easy, mostly light read. Happy reading!
January 10, 2019
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Montlake Romance for an honest review**
Catherine proves time and time again why she is a one-click, go-to author for me with every book she releases. This book was no exception.
Shannon has always been the quiet one of the group, measuring up her words and watching from the sidelines, now however she is the main focus of this book and we get to learn so much more about her.
Victor has worked hard to build his business up from the ground while he was still living at home as a teenager, however with advanced years he tried the wrong way to balance his life and nearly got married to the wrong woman.
The first meeting of the pair does not go down well, however when not only relationships change and a holiday in Tulum have the pair getting closer things do not change when they get back home.
Shannon is graceful and always acts above those who are not nice to her and her loyal and fierce group of friends are always there before Shannon even knows she needs help. It is wonderful to see her coming out of her shall more and opening up around not only Victor but more with her friends.
I really loved Shannon's story and i am really hoping that Saskia get her own spinoff book, she deserves a happy ending too.
Catherine proves time and time again why she is a one-click, go-to author for me with every book she releases. This book was no exception.
Shannon has always been the quiet one of the group, measuring up her words and watching from the sidelines, now however she is the main focus of this book and we get to learn so much more about her.
Victor has worked hard to build his business up from the ground while he was still living at home as a teenager, however with advanced years he tried the wrong way to balance his life and nearly got married to the wrong woman.
The first meeting of the pair does not go down well, however when not only relationships change and a holiday in Tulum have the pair getting closer things do not change when they get back home.
Shannon is graceful and always acts above those who are not nice to her and her loyal and fierce group of friends are always there before Shannon even knows she needs help. It is wonderful to see her coming out of her shall more and opening up around not only Victor but more with her friends.
I really loved Shannon's story and i am really hoping that Saskia get her own spinoff book, she deserves a happy ending too.
January 9, 2019
5 A fake Forever Stars
ohh Shannon… you have always been my quiet lost favorite girl. A girl who fell in love with her husband and he tossed her away. I feel each time I read a first wives club book I say.. I LOVED THIS .. and this is also no exception. I have no idea why this author is such an amazing writer and has seemed to even write grocery lists I cant stop reading. Her writing style has intrigue, comedy, attraction and each book has its own story and there is not much repeated anywhere. I love how she always brings the full first wives club back and I really love seeing that. Shannon is still on the hunt for something in this book.. and she ended up finding what she wasn’t looking for. Scandal, paparrazi and a lot more surprises await you in this beautiful romance.
I must say.. that first kiss.. lit my kindle on fire.. it was the ULTIMATE kiss !
ohh Shannon… you have always been my quiet lost favorite girl. A girl who fell in love with her husband and he tossed her away. I feel each time I read a first wives club book I say.. I LOVED THIS .. and this is also no exception. I have no idea why this author is such an amazing writer and has seemed to even write grocery lists I cant stop reading. Her writing style has intrigue, comedy, attraction and each book has its own story and there is not much repeated anywhere. I love how she always brings the full first wives club back and I really love seeing that. Shannon is still on the hunt for something in this book.. and she ended up finding what she wasn’t looking for. Scandal, paparrazi and a lot more surprises await you in this beautiful romance.
I must say.. that first kiss.. lit my kindle on fire.. it was the ULTIMATE kiss !
March 13, 2019
-Patti, ☆☆☆☆☆
Faking forever is book 4 in the First Wife’s Series and is Shannon and Victor’s story. She is a photographer, who is hired to shoot a destination wedding for a workaholic man and his much younger fiancée, who happens to get cold feet and ditches the groom Victor at the alter.
Shannon and Victor at first don’t get along, however everything changes in Mexico! As they return home they seem to still not be able to stay away from each other even if some don’t want them to be together and try to keep them apart. Shannon’s ex wants her back to help him and Victor's ex doesn’t want him to be happy with another. Twist and turns and love with happily ever afters are included in this great story. Oh and she does continue with bits and pieces from the first 3 women from the previous books. I must go back and read about these women. If this book is anything to go by, they will be just as great!!! After reading this one, I do recommend reading the first three before (I had not and will be going back)!
This being the very first book I have ever read by this author, I will now be going back to read the first 3 books in this series as well as the other books Catherine Bybee has written.
I loved it. At first it was a little slow, but it picked up quickly and I’m so happy I stayed with it. So keep reading I promise you it gets better. Enjoy, I did and I highly recommend Faking Forever!!!
Faking forever is book 4 in the First Wife’s Series and is Shannon and Victor’s story. She is a photographer, who is hired to shoot a destination wedding for a workaholic man and his much younger fiancée, who happens to get cold feet and ditches the groom Victor at the alter.
Shannon and Victor at first don’t get along, however everything changes in Mexico! As they return home they seem to still not be able to stay away from each other even if some don’t want them to be together and try to keep them apart. Shannon’s ex wants her back to help him and Victor's ex doesn’t want him to be happy with another. Twist and turns and love with happily ever afters are included in this great story. Oh and she does continue with bits and pieces from the first 3 women from the previous books. I must go back and read about these women. If this book is anything to go by, they will be just as great!!! After reading this one, I do recommend reading the first three before (I had not and will be going back)!
This being the very first book I have ever read by this author, I will now be going back to read the first 3 books in this series as well as the other books Catherine Bybee has written.
I loved it. At first it was a little slow, but it picked up quickly and I’m so happy I stayed with it. So keep reading I promise you it gets better. Enjoy, I did and I highly recommend Faking Forever!!!
March 28, 2019
Yet another of Bybee’s books that I inhaled! I know exactly what to expect from her stories and the predictability is comforting. This fourth edition of the series gave a lot more insight on Shannon who we’ve read about since the Weekday Brides books (former First Lady of California!) and closes out the group of four in the club. BUT Goodreads shows a book 5 so I can’t wait to see who that’s about!
March 13, 2019
Shannon has always been one of my fav characters in this series. She seemed the quiet one of the bunch, always had a level head when the things going on with the 1st Wives took a turn for the worst. But boy oh boy did she surprise us. She has a plan to get a baby daddy, but when the deal is done, all she really wants is the baby. And Victor was the guy you wanted to dislike, but when his life plan goes up in smoke, he turned into a decent fellow with some lessons from Shannon. This story had so many twists that it kept me turning the page to see what was going to happen with Shannon and Victor. They had an attraction right from the start and can they make it last after a three month cooling period or will they be able to last that long?? You have to read this fantastic story to find out.
I knew when I started to read this book; I knew I was going to read it start to finish in one day. OMG can this series get any better…YES, YES, YES. And the sad part is this is the last book in the series…unless another First Wife comes into the mix…Please say it’s so Catherine Bybee!
I knew when I started to read this book; I knew I was going to read it start to finish in one day. OMG can this series get any better…YES, YES, YES. And the sad part is this is the last book in the series…unless another First Wife comes into the mix…Please say it’s so Catherine Bybee!
March 4, 2019
I just realized that this was my 19th Bybee book. Obviously, there is something about her books that keeps me coming back, and all those things were well represented in Faking Forever.
I had been eagerly awaiting Shannon's story. She was one of the few "wives", who actually fell in love during her arranged marriage, but unfortunately, the feeling wasn't mutual. I so wanted her to move past her heartbreak and find her HEA, and I absolutely adored the man she was paired with.
Victor seemed an unlikely match for Shannon given the circumstances under which they met. Shannon found him quite repugnant, and even felt that his bride-to-be deserved better. But, Shannon discovered a very different side of Victor during their time in Mexico, and that was the Victor she wanted to know better.
The growth both Victor and Shannon experienced was great. Shannon opened up and shed her quiet and reserved girl persona. She began speaking up and demanding more attention, while also opting for the less "safe" choices. Shannon said goodbye to her past and started moving towards her future, and I fell short of doing a slow clap for her. Seriously, I was really proud.
Meanwhile, Victor began putting more time into his personal relationships and being more honest with those around him as he started to see his future being about more than his business. It was fabulous seeing the contrast between how he was with Shannon and how he had been with his ex. It really clearly displayed how genuine his feelings were for Shannon.
Other things I really liked:
• I had a lot of fun in Mexico with Shannon, Victor, and the rest of their Tulum crew.
• This group of women have such a wonderful and fierce friendship. The way they drop what they are doing to come to each other's aid or how they support one another, even if they don't agree with that person was a beautiful thing.
• It was terribly fun having all the couples so present in this story. This first wives family has grown over the course of the series, and I was thrilled to see them all settling into their HEAs.
• The 3 month countdown!
• The ending was so fun! What a nice way to send the group off into sunset.
Overall: A mighty fine ending for a series, that gave me fabulous heroines, great heroes, and heartwarming HEAs.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I had been eagerly awaiting Shannon's story. She was one of the few "wives", who actually fell in love during her arranged marriage, but unfortunately, the feeling wasn't mutual. I so wanted her to move past her heartbreak and find her HEA, and I absolutely adored the man she was paired with.
Victor seemed an unlikely match for Shannon given the circumstances under which they met. Shannon found him quite repugnant, and even felt that his bride-to-be deserved better. But, Shannon discovered a very different side of Victor during their time in Mexico, and that was the Victor she wanted to know better.
The growth both Victor and Shannon experienced was great. Shannon opened up and shed her quiet and reserved girl persona. She began speaking up and demanding more attention, while also opting for the less "safe" choices. Shannon said goodbye to her past and started moving towards her future, and I fell short of doing a slow clap for her. Seriously, I was really proud.
Meanwhile, Victor began putting more time into his personal relationships and being more honest with those around him as he started to see his future being about more than his business. It was fabulous seeing the contrast between how he was with Shannon and how he had been with his ex. It really clearly displayed how genuine his feelings were for Shannon.
Other things I really liked:
• I had a lot of fun in Mexico with Shannon, Victor, and the rest of their Tulum crew.
• This group of women have such a wonderful and fierce friendship. The way they drop what they are doing to come to each other's aid or how they support one another, even if they don't agree with that person was a beautiful thing.
• It was terribly fun having all the couples so present in this story. This first wives family has grown over the course of the series, and I was thrilled to see them all settling into their HEAs.
• The 3 month countdown!
• The ending was so fun! What a nice way to send the group off into sunset.
Overall: A mighty fine ending for a series, that gave me fabulous heroines, great heroes, and heartwarming HEAs.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
January 29, 2019
Bybee is back on top again! Not that she ever really fell, but... this book is just another bit of proof of her exceptional gift for telling stories that are real, believable and completely sigh-worthy!
I have been waiting for Samantha's story ever since the very first First Wives book published. She is such a sympathetic heroine and the situation of making a business-like agreement in marriage but then falling in love with her husband anyway is one that every reader can understand. Yet three years after the divorce, she is finally tired of yearning for what she will never have and wants to find happiness in her life. She thinks that happiness will come if she has a child.
Of course, the best laid plans....! What follows is both a creative and unique twist to the genre of contemporary romance! It is incredibly fun to read, surprisingly tender in it's handling of her heart and completely worth every second to see what happens with her ex!!
Yep, total heaven for anyone who needs a great escape for an afternoon or anyone who want their faith restored in love!
I have been waiting for Samantha's story ever since the very first First Wives book published. She is such a sympathetic heroine and the situation of making a business-like agreement in marriage but then falling in love with her husband anyway is one that every reader can understand. Yet three years after the divorce, she is finally tired of yearning for what she will never have and wants to find happiness in her life. She thinks that happiness will come if she has a child.
Of course, the best laid plans....! What follows is both a creative and unique twist to the genre of contemporary romance! It is incredibly fun to read, surprisingly tender in it's handling of her heart and completely worth every second to see what happens with her ex!!
Yep, total heaven for anyone who needs a great escape for an afternoon or anyone who want their faith restored in love!
March 12, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars -- A Harlequin Junkie Top Pick!!
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Faking Forever put a smile on my face and a thrill in my heart with the fiery match up in this fourth book in Catherine Bybee’s phenomenal First Wives series. A meet-cute that went awry and an attraction that was ill-timed, this romance was one heck of an enjoyable heartfelt ride!
Catherine Bybee can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. With every new book, series and bunch of characters we meet, I fall more in love with her writing style. From the kickass heroines to the sexy alpha heroes she pairs them up with, I know it might be quite a journey for our lovebirds to finally get a HEA, but their hard-won victory will be so worth it. And boy does that describe Shannon and Victor. Read More
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Faking Forever put a smile on my face and a thrill in my heart with the fiery match up in this fourth book in Catherine Bybee’s phenomenal First Wives series. A meet-cute that went awry and an attraction that was ill-timed, this romance was one heck of an enjoyable heartfelt ride!
Catherine Bybee can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. With every new book, series and bunch of characters we meet, I fall more in love with her writing style. From the kickass heroines to the sexy alpha heroes she pairs them up with, I know it might be quite a journey for our lovebirds to finally get a HEA, but their hard-won victory will be so worth it. And boy does that describe Shannon and Victor. Read More
April 2, 2019
I'm surprised I've never heard of Catherine Bybee until I was sent this book from the publisher, but I ended up really enjoying this one. I might have to read the rest of the series now!
March 15, 2019
I just love the First Wives, Shannon, Lori, Avery and Trina. I couldn’t tell you which book was my favorite since they were all special in their own way. BUT I may have liked Avery’s story an itsy-bitsy more than the other 3. Love the husbands too, Wade, Reed, Liam, and soon to be Shannon’s husband, Victor. I did like Shannon. She was less brash and less of a chance-taker than all the rest. So she was totally different that the others’.
AND I’m glad she found out what an ass he ex, Paul, was. What a creep. You really liked NOT liking him.
This was all about Victor, who was left at the altar, and how he and Shannon got together. Of course, Corrie was too young for him, everybody said so, and he didn’t love her. He was ‘settling.’ And his work was more important than she was, anyway. I loved when Shannon told him just what she thought of him as they flew to Mexico for the wedding, only to find out who he really was when she got to the hotel.
There was explicit sex in this, and the F-bomb was used 4 times, and the word fit perfectly each time it was said.
As to the narration: Perfect in every way. Her voices, both male and female were awesome. Emma Wilder gave a perfect performance.
March 7, 2019
Catherine Bybee is just a great author. This book took a woman, Shannon, who had fallen in love before and had it go nowhere and put her in a situation where she ended up having to trust what her heart was telling her in order to actually give love a chance again.
She and the hero, Victor, start out really, really annoyed by each other. Shannon finds nothing about him to appreciate. He's a workaholic who can't even give his time to his supposed-to-be wife long enough to go on the honeymoon. He's inconsiderate and obnoxious...and Shannon tells him so.
An exotic location lends a certain different feel to the book. Shannon's friends and Victor's brother are awesome secondary characters and the slowly developing attraction and love between Shannon and Victor is just perfect. This is just a great book!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
She and the hero, Victor, start out really, really annoyed by each other. Shannon finds nothing about him to appreciate. He's a workaholic who can't even give his time to his supposed-to-be wife long enough to go on the honeymoon. He's inconsiderate and obnoxious...and Shannon tells him so.
An exotic location lends a certain different feel to the book. Shannon's friends and Victor's brother are awesome secondary characters and the slowly developing attraction and love between Shannon and Victor is just perfect. This is just a great book!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
March 12, 2019
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the ARC in exchange for an honest review**#FakingForever #NetGalley
4 stars!! It was really a sweet, sexy, romantic read. A well written story, I really loved the chemistry and the HEA between Victor and Shannon!This is my first read from this author and I will definitely be picking up more in the future!!
4 stars!! It was really a sweet, sexy, romantic read. A well written story, I really loved the chemistry and the HEA between Victor and Shannon!This is my first read from this author and I will definitely be picking up more in the future!!
February 28, 2019
Oh my gosh, this is an excellent book! I was up all night reading it. It would be hard saying anything about it without blowing it out of the water! I can say this is Shannon and Victor’s story. She is the last of the First Wives. Don’t wait to buy this book or you will definitely wish you hadn’t waited. It caught me from the first page!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
December 31, 2018
I am a big fan of Catherine Bybee’s writing and novels. I find her style easy to read and entertaining, and I am always excited when she has a new release because I know that I’ll enjoy reading it. This is the case with Faking Forever (First Wives Club, Book Four), which is a fun and entertaining. The book is focused on Shannon Wentworth, the final of the four “first wives.” Working as a wedding photographer, a job that doesn’t do her talent justice, she travels to Mexico to photograph the wedding of an inattentive and seemingly uncaring groom to a younger, immature bride whose mother is overbearing—more a bridezilla than the bride herself. This couple is so mismatched that even the groom’s brother is taking bets on how long the marriage will last. Fortunately, there is no wedding and the groom takes the honeymoon alone—just where Shannon has already planned a getaway of her own. With a set-up like that, it’s easy to see where the story is going to lead, but the fun is in getting there.
The book is more-or-less a standalone but, since it is the fourth of a series, it behooves the reader to read the previous three first. Since they are all good reads, why not? My only complaint about this one is that I felt the epilogue was a bit too neat—the entire series tied up in a tight package with a pretty bow. Personally, I’m hoping for a fifth entry, or at least a spin-off, featuring Sasha, Trina’s sister-in-law.
I recommend this book for all who love reading romances or want a nice entertaining read with a feel good ending.
I was given a free copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are solely my own.
The book is more-or-less a standalone but, since it is the fourth of a series, it behooves the reader to read the previous three first. Since they are all good reads, why not? My only complaint about this one is that I felt the epilogue was a bit too neat—the entire series tied up in a tight package with a pretty bow. Personally, I’m hoping for a fifth entry, or at least a spin-off, featuring Sasha, Trina’s sister-in-law.
I recommend this book for all who love reading romances or want a nice entertaining read with a feel good ending.
I was given a free copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are solely my own.
January 1, 2019
This book. I just can’t explain how much I loved it. I was nervous going in, because after reading the other books I’d hoped for it to go another way when we got to Shannon’s book. But I can honestly say, I loved the story and am so happy I gave it a chance!
May 13, 2019
Romance, Contemporary
Series: First Wives, book 4
“Trust me. You’re better off walking away now than going around faking forever with a man who isn’t right.”
Shannon Wentworth (34) desperately want a family of her own but she's divorced and depressingly single. But her biological clock is ticking away, and she want a baby so desperately that she wouldn't mind a one night stand to get pregnant. Going to Mexico to photograph a wedding sounds like a good idea and who knows perhaps she finds a man to fullfil her dream?
From the moment Shannon fell into Victor's lap, sparks start to fly, however, there is one big problem - Victor is about to get married to another woman...
Enjoyable and emotional story with the sassy heroine and sexy alpha hero. I was entertained by the interactions between Shannon and Victor, but also with the "first wives". Good writing style.
Its book #4 and I haven't read previous books. As this story is about Shannon, then I didn't feel lost for not having to read three previous books. [but I might look them up]
If you want another book where the heroine want a baby and won't hesitate to con the man, then try Nobody's Baby But Mine or about the cancelled wedding, Call Me Irresistible both by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Series: First Wives, book 4
“Trust me. You’re better off walking away now than going around faking forever with a man who isn’t right.”
Shannon Wentworth (34) desperately want a family of her own but she's divorced and depressingly single. But her biological clock is ticking away, and she want a baby so desperately that she wouldn't mind a one night stand to get pregnant. Going to Mexico to photograph a wedding sounds like a good idea and who knows perhaps she finds a man to fullfil her dream?
From the moment Shannon fell into Victor's lap, sparks start to fly, however, there is one big problem - Victor is about to get married to another woman...
Enjoyable and emotional story with the sassy heroine and sexy alpha hero. I was entertained by the interactions between Shannon and Victor, but also with the "first wives". Good writing style.
Its book #4 and I haven't read previous books. As this story is about Shannon, then I didn't feel lost for not having to read three previous books. [but I might look them up]
If you want another book where the heroine want a baby and won't hesitate to con the man, then try Nobody's Baby But Mine or about the cancelled wedding, Call Me Irresistible both by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
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