Nový začátek? Zvládne to. Nejspíš… Melanie byla na střední škole hvězda, jenže nyní její život už tak hvězdný není. To, že jako svobodná matka skončí v městečku, jež jí kdysi bylo domovem, je překvapením nejen pro místní, ale i pro ni samotnou. Po boku kamarádek Jo a Zoe se nový začátek nejeví tak strašný – obzvlášť když její roztomilá dcera Hope okouzlí pohledného stavaře Wyatta. Ustojí křehké základy nového domova zemětřesení, které nečekaně způsobí její problémový ex?
New 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.
Ich versuche es immer mal wieder mit Liebesromanen, aber leider können mich nur die wenigsten wirklich überzeugen. Auch dieses Buch hat mich eher enttäuscht, obwohl ich die Geschichte an sich gar nicht so schlecht fand. Ich kann dabei noch gar nicht so richtig sagen, was mich gestört hat. Ein Punkt ist aber sicherlich, dass mich die Gefühle nicht erreicht haben, und gerade das möchte man doch, wenn man einen schönen Liebesroman liest. Ich möchte mich hineinfallen lassen können in die Geschichte, mitfiebern und dahinschmelzen. Das konnte ich hier definitiv nicht. Die Figuren haben mich nicht berührt. Auch fand ich einige Begebenheiten zu überspitzt dargestellt bzw. nicht wirklich nachvollziehbar. Sehr schade!
I'm going to keep this review short and sweet because it is so the kind of story that can be summed up in few words. A story that packs a punch and will be over long before you are ready for it to be.
Bybee always writes amazing stories and her latest is not an exception.
With the right amount of of heartache, romance and mystery blended together, this was such a great and fun read.
With outstanding friends, that small town feel, and an adorable seven year old to melt your heart, this is one story lovers of romance are going to fall in love with.
Catherine Bybee has been my go-to-author for light, entertaining contemporary romance stories with a dash of suspense for quite some time now. With Doing It Over, the first in a new series, she has produced yet another winner. It is an uplifting story about small town life and lasting friendships. The protagonist, Melanie, is a single Mum returning to her hometown for her 10-year high school reunion. 'Doing It Over' features an adorable 7-year-old, a puppy, a great group of friends, believable romance and some drama in the form of the bad ex. Great humor thanks to Miss Gina, the eccentric owner of the local B&B. Cristina Panfilio did an excellent job narrating the audio version. I look forward to the next in the series.
Short review. This was okay. Mel was kind of sappy and kind of weak. Wyatt was made of awesome, but possibly a bit too much so. Wyatt's relationship with Hope was endearing and Bybee does kids very well so that was a highlight. There were unfortunate sensational bits tacked on and while I was glad to see they hung together instead of relying on "psychotic psychos being villains because we need villains for story" it still felt like an intrusion in the story I was interested in. Still, it also gave us a chance to meet Wyatt's dad and that was full of win.
So all the strengths have accompanying weaknesses and that made it a solid read, but solidly three-stars.
A note about Steamy: There's one explicit sex scene and a couple other lead-ups that then pull the curtain closed. Frankly, this was very well done and struck exactly the right tone for the story being told.
4.25 Stars I became a huge fan of Catherine Bybee’s when I read her Not Quite series, which is fantastic. When I received an invitation from Ms. Bybee’s publisher, via Net-Galley, to read this book in exchange for an honest review, I eagerly accepted. I thoroughly enjoyed Doing It Over. This great book is in the Kindle Unlimited program, and if you’re a member you can read and listen for free!
Melanie Bartlett is back in River Bend for her ten-year class reunion. Her car died just short of town and there’s no fixing it. When Miss Gina offers her a place to stay in exchange for help running her B & B, she accepts. After all, there’s nothing for her in Bakersfield, where she’s been living. At least in River Bend, she has friends.
Wyatt Gibson tries to give Mel a ride when her car breaks down, but all she will accept is a call for a tow truck. He quickly realizes he has his work cut out if he wants Mel to trust him. The ruggedly handsome builder is determined to find out where their instant attraction will lead.
When Mel’s daughter is placed in harm’s way, Mel and Wyatt must work together to keep her safe. Will his desire to protect her child help him win her heart?
Doing It Over is more than a romance, it’s a story of enduring friendship and a woman’s determination to raise her daughter on her own. The book is a fast and enjoyable read. The romance between Wyatt and Mel is fulfilling, and I really wanted them to find their happy ending.
Melanie is an endearing character with a good amount of depth. Her fierce determination to be the best mother possible to her delightful daughter, Hope, touched the nurturer in me. While I was not a single mom, I was a Navy wife, so I basically raised my son on my own. I could definitely identify with her feelings and struggles.
Wyatt’s character is awesome, and he’s the type of hero I enjoy a lot. He is an all-around good guy, not a playboy, just a hard working man. He doesn’t have much baggage, so it’s easy for him to fall in love with Mel and Hope. He knows he can’t have Mel with Hope, but that is not a problem because the little girl is adorable and easy to love.
There is excellent chemistry between Mel and Hope, but what is even better is the friendship that develops. I also love Mel’s two best friends. I particularly liked Zoe and look forward to her story.
I listened to the audio version by Cristina Panfilio, and I enjoyed her performance a great deal. She does an excellent job with the male characters and gives each character a distinct voice. She reads with just the right amount of emotion without going too far. This is the first book I have listened to by her and will definitely look for others with her as the narrator.
If you like a romance with great characters, an interesting plot and wonderful secondary characters, then you will enjoy Doing It Over. This is another promising series of small-town life and friendship with down-to-earth characters. Happy reading!
Don't ask me why, but I had read books 2 and 3 years ago and realized I still needed to read book one. I really enjoyed this and it brought back everything I read from the other two books. I just loved the small town setting and all the side characters. This is one that also has one of my favorite tropes, a single parent trope. Despite Melanie's rough start, she's a great mom. Her kid was great and really did add more to the story when it came to her and Wyatt. How do you not fall for a guy that is a better dad than the child's actual father? I also enjoyed Wyatt's pursuit of Melanie. And the best part was the conflict in the story. It added an exciting element and brought all these characters together. I enjoyed this so much I think I will download the audibles of the book 2 and 3 for a quick re-read/listen.
I really did enjoy this book in the beginning, but I thought all the stuff with Nathan and him hiring Mr. Lewis was over the top and took away from the small town fun of the early part of this book. It was all a bit ridiculous to me, and it felt like not having enough conflict between the two MCs that something was needed to make the plot move. Also, there was some gender role commentary that I couldn't jive with. I try to give the benefit of the doubt since this isn't a pattern I've seen in previous books. So I tried to think... ok, small town, traditional older beliefs by some characters, etc. It was only a few times, but they grated every time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Overall this was a nice light read, which I see myself re-reading at some point when I need something very light.
A small town romance with a light dash of suspense, this story shows how important bonds of friendship can be. The romance between the main characters is gentle, and doesn't ripple of the page potently, but it was still nice.
Wyatt's relationship with Hope was endearing.
I was hoping for something more from Nathan when it came to the reason for his stupidity/actions. Nonetheless a pretty nice read.
This a good small town story with a good set of characters and a mystery to solve. I'm sure I will read the other books in the series. I'm interested in Zoe and Luke. Happy reading!
Historia demasiado simplona y empalagosa de gente muy buena a la que le pasan cosas muy malas porque los malos son malísimos. El romance es insta amor para toda la vida y el suspense es poco realista y muy melodramático. No es el tipo de historia que me entretiene. :(
***
This story has been too simple and too sugary about very good people to whom bad things happen because the bad guys are very bad.
The romance is insta love for all our life and the suspense is unrealistic and so melodramatic. Not my cuppa. :(
Fantastic!! DOING IT OVER just confirmed my stance, Catherine Bybee is a Must-Read author! Doing it Over is the first book in her new trilogy, Most Likely To, which shows the life of three high school friends ten years after graduation starting with Melanie. This new cast of characters are fun to read and get to know in that easy likeable, relatable way Bybee has of making you feel right at home as if they are real people... family, friends, or even neighbors you wish you had.
The romance develops between Melanie and Wyatt, the new guy in town at an easy pace that pulls you right into their chemistry as it builds for them. The dialogue has a nice mixture of wit, charm, humor and the undertone of words unsaid... I have to say, as much as I loved the love story, I think Miss Gina and little Hope often stole the scene. Loved their sassy, feisty ways. I recently read a quote that basically said, if you want to get back to the right perspective on life, just talk to a four year old and an eighty-four year old. The ages are a bit off, but I think the advice would hold in this case.
As I've come to love, Bybee once again sucked me into this fun and lighthearted romance that takes a sudden turn into danger and suspense that ALWAYS makes her stories impossible to put down. Bad guys must be caught and the people she's made you love Must. Be. Safe!!! DOING IT OVER was no exception. Loved every laugh, every giggle, every steamy love scene, and every tense moment!! Can't wait for book two!! You don't want to miss this one!! 5 stars
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
This first book in a series of three themed "Most Likely To" reminds a bit of Robyn Carr's books. The characters were certainly sympathetic, with just the right amount of background to make them believable, although the reader shouldn't expect anything too deep. It's a light romance after all, but with strong women, and that's refreshing. The small town of River Bend, somewhere remote in Oregon is the backdrop for this book, where a trio of good friends meet up again for their tenth year reunion. Melanie, who was most likely to succeed, returns with her 7-year old little girl, having failed to make other dreams come true, she has succeeded in being a good Mom. There's also Jo, a rebel in her time, the sheriff's daughter, has taken over the role of her Dad after his death. The most successful is Zoe, growing up in a double-wide, and with a Dad in prison, nobody suspected she would become a renowned chef. Doing It Over is the story of Melanie, who finally finds meaning and love with Wyatt, the town's contractor; a good and decent man. Like I said, all these characters were highly enjoyable and there was a real sense of community that was the best part of this story.
It was so so hard to finish this book. And I have to admit, I skipped like 10 chapters to get to the end simply because the romance part was a dead dead dead. I mean, there was no spark at all for me between Mel and Wyatt. And from the get go, you know what the whole book will be about once Mel's absentee Ex shows up to lay claim to the daughter he hadn't seen in years.
I love the return to small town and making a go at life. I love the premise of three best friend 10 years later finding themselves at crossroads in their lives and back in their small sweet town. But this book was uber boring for me.
Ratings for the second instalment are high so I'll give it a gander...
My first book by this author and I'm disappointed. Disappointed because this is the first in a brand new series, which means I have to wait for Jo's and Zoe's stories!! haha.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book (if you couldn't tell by the 5 star rating). It was sweet, easy to get into, the characters were enjoyable, and the story had enough hints of various intrigue and drama to keep you from putting it down.
I really hope the next book and the overall series turn out just as well as this one.
Oh my goodness I loved this so much. Totally refreshing and engaging. A sweet sexy love story with just the right amount of suspense and mystery. Wyatt had that good guy thing going on but made it hot at the same time. Melanie showed true gritt and strength. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
These two were just so sweet together. Can't wait to read more by this author. Thanks C because you knew just what I needed.
FYI it's 💯 % Safe and #kindleunlimited plus Audio is FREE
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Loved the characters and being a part of their lives for the last two days. I look forward to reading/listening to more books by this author.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
Doing It Over is the first book in a new trilogy by Catherine Bybee. There is a lot to love about this book. A supportive sisterhood of friends, a beautiful town who look out for each other, an idealistic world where things can turn around if you just hold on long enough, and a little bit of mystery over an ex-husband causing problems. Reading this book felt like entering a new world, while floating on a cloud above everyone as you watched everything slowly unfold. I fell into these pages and enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of these women. I look forward to seeing Zoe and Luke fall down the rabbit hole in the next book.
Doing It Over had a very nice mix of romance and suspense. Small-town, tight friendships, and hot romance. Mel and Wyatt were amazing - and so was Mel's daughter, Hope.
I have loved many of Ms. Bybee’s books and was very excited to see she is starting a new series. Her character development and intriguing stories are always entertaining and this is no exception.
Melanie Bartlett was a star in high school and voted most likely to succeed. When she was growing up, her family looked perfect, but the cracks were starting to show by the time she finished high school, derailing her college plans. And to top it off, a disastrous relationship that produced only one good thing (her daughter) completed her downfall. Now with a young child to support, she is back in her home town starting over.
Wyatt moved to River Bend several years ago and works in construction, and he is beloved by the residents in town. Although he does not get off to a great start with Mel when she arrives, the attraction to her is almost immediate and he has plans to get to know her more. He also finds her daughter Hope to be adorable and enjoys spending time with them. Mel is trying to put her life back together and although is attracted to Wyatt, she tries to take things slow, but when her ex comes to town causing problems and Hope is in danger, she learns that Wyatt is there for her and she does not want him anywhere else.
This is another winner from an author I have enjoyed in the past. I love small town romances with quirky characters and lifelong friendships that help create an engaging romance.
Mel and her two best friends were inseparable in high school but they went their own ways and are now converging together for their ten year reunion. I like Mel, she thought she had the world at her feet but her parent’s divorce sent her reeling. She made some bad choices but is now ready to start new and you can see it in her determination. She starts working for Ms. Gina (quirky) at the local B&B and gets to know Wyatt while he helps with construction projects around the area.
Wyatt is amazing, a patient, calm man, and when he arrived in town several years ago he was looking for a forever place and loved it right away. He lets Mel know how he feels and does his best to nudge her his way, but she is going through many emotions, and takes her time. When her ex comes to town strange things start to happen and her daughter is right in the danger zone. Mel and Wyatt work together to solve the mystery that puts Hope in danger, while her ex threatens Mel for custody.
Wyatt and Mel are perfect together, their relationship starts out slow but if he could have changed the pace he would have. The chemistry between them sizzles and the time they are able to steal away by themselves is amazing. I really enjoyed meeting the secondary characters that round out the cast and I look forward to reading the stories of her two best friends Jo and Zoe, there is already a nice set up that looks interesting. I also like how Wyatt’s father comes and helps, and it shows how strong this relationship is. This is a very strong start to a new series and I will definitely be enjoying the ride.
I've always held a soft spot for small town romances. I love the vibe, the gossip just everything about it. Other than that, and the second chance aspect, I had no idea what to expect from Doing it Over. Which is a good thing, too, because there was a lot that took me by surprise!
We meet Melanie on her way to her 10-year high school reunion, her child Hope, and beat up car in tow. After arriving, she decides to stay and work with Ms. Gina and the inn, and of course, there's the budding romance with Wyatt! However, things don't go as planned and soon, her past catches up to her.
There are many things I adored about this book! I loved the romance. It was slow building, but their chemistry is instant. Both had their own reasons for not wanting a relationship, but the more time spent with each other, the closer they get. I especially loved how Wyatt was a solid rock for Melanie when things really started to hit the fan with Hope's father popping up in the picture.
Besides the romance, I loved all the characters. While the story is primarily Melanie's, we get chapters with Jo and Zoey as well. Both Jo and Zoey plan a huge part of Melanie's life, being her best friends from high school. I can only assume that their stories are next, which was why we got chapters from their POV. Ms. Gina, too, was a hilarious addition.
The mystery aspect was the main thing I wasn't expecting. There were several different things happening to, and around Melanie, and we slowly get the pieces to figure out who was behind them all. My first guess was right, it was fun to see how the characters handled it all.
All in all - I quite enjoyed Doing it Over. It was such a fun, sweet and romantic small town romance. I'm excited for the other books in the series. It will be fun to revisit all the characters. I recommend it!
Okay, so I'm a little late coming to the Catherine Bybee party. But, I'm having a hell of a good time now that I'm here! My third read by this talented author and it is terrific! And, so many more to go! Yippee! Onto the next one. ;)
Zu Beginn des Buches lernen wir die Freundinnen Mel, Zoe und Jo kennen, die sich am Ende ihrer Highschoolzeit schwören, dass sie zum 10jährigen Klassentreffen wieder nach River Bend zurückkehren. 10 Jahre später sind nun alle wieder in River Bend und ihre Leben sind teilweise anders verlaufen als sie es geplant hatten.
Ich fand die drei Frauen sehr sympathisch und auch ihre Freundschaft wurde sehr authentisch dargestellt. Es war schön zu sehen wie die drei immer füreinander da waren. Wyatt war zwar manchmal ein wenig zu perfekt, aber dennoch ist er ein Mann, der defintiv das Herz der Leserinnen zum Schmelzen bringt.
Die Geschichte ist eine interessante Mischung aus Liebesgeschichte und Spannungselementen, denn als Mels Vergangenheit sie einholt wird es wirklich sehr interessant und spannend.
Ich habe das Buch sehr gerne gelesen und habe mich jederzeit gut unterhalten gefühlt. Die Atmosphäre in der kleinen Stadt war absolut zum wohlfühlen. Ich bin sehr gespannt wie es mit dieser Reihe weitergehen wird.
Danke an den Verlag für das digitale Rezensionsexemplar via Netgalley.
Do you know when you start a book and from page one, you just know you are going to love it? Well, that is what happened with DOING IT OVER. Catherine Bybee writes a hero, Wyatt and heroine, Melanie, that every time their eyes meet, you get those little butterflies in your belly. Like a brand new crush, I anticipated each new time they would meet, and watching their feelings grow and Melanie gaining a little confidence was just incredible to watch. and Hope, she was such a great addition to the cast. I love when a character has a child, cause I feel like I can relate so much to the heroine especially since I have my own two little ladies. You can really put yourself in their shoes that much easier.
Bybee writes an incredible cast of characters that literally will have you belly laughing (Ms. Gina and her red pitcher of lemonade). She wove little bits of story line to set up the next books in the series, and I am so ready for Jo and Zoe's books.
If you need a feel good read that you can read in one afternoon, cause you won't be able to put it down, pick up DOING IT OVER!
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
I have always loved each and every book that i have picked up by this author and this book is no exception.
Melanie has come back for her ten year high school reunion, but the last ten years have been nothing like what Melanie had expected or planned for.
Wyatt and Melanie's first encounter is not the best, however after a proper first encounter the attraction is very much there, especially on Wyatt's side.
The story is very well written and we get multiple points of view, not just Melanie and Wyatt that not only adds to the story but gets us more acquainted with the rest of the characters which helps set up further books in the series. I can see novels for at least three characters.
Doing It Over was a good read and a solid start to the Most Likely To series. The characters were likable, relatable and very entertaining. I enjoyed the friendships and the relationship between Wyatt and Melanie was engaging and kept me turning the pages.
I'm a big fan of Catherine Bybee's writing, once again she's given us a well written story with strong characters that leave you full of happy feels.
*Thank you to Montlake Romance via NetGalley for the advance copy.*
This was a nice change of pace with a bit of mystery thrown in. The romance felt a bit rushed but the banter was good - best line I've heard in awhile: "Good God, parenting is a bipolar disorder!"
Cristina Panfilio is the reason I picked this up on audio. She is fantastic.