Honestly if this book had just been about a widow recovering from her husband's suicide just trying to move on with a hot, country star I might have given it 5 stars because that part of the story really worked for me. But the rest of this story just felt messy and overly complicated. I wanted to see more of the romance and more of the emotional connections between Trina and Wade and less of the suspense.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Catherine Bybee’s writing is always a joy to read. It flows smoothly and has a down-to-earth, family feel that draws the reader into her stories immediately and allows them to truly feel a part of the people she so eloquently writes about. This book is no exception.

I had trouble figuring out what exactly the story was trying to be, however. Is it a romance? A suspense? Or women’s fiction? There is a bit of all three but none are well enough defined to stand out and actually carry the story. I absolutely loved the set-up with Trina and Wade, the way they meet and get to know each other. But, just as the relationship begins, first the women’s fiction, then the suspense plot-line takes over and completely forgets the budding romance development. Because all three are being juggled throughout, none actually go deep enough to really catch the reader’s heart. In each area there are unanswered questions and threads never fully developed.

Still, as a continuation in the series (I wouldn’t suggest reading this one as a stand-alone), it allows us to enjoy the characters we are coming to love and follow Trina as she finds her well-deserved happiness.

If you haven’t read any of Catherine Bybee’s books you are missing out! She has once again shown us that she can write a story that incorporates romance, suspense, and action all together! Catherine has a way of drawing you into the story and making it hard to put the book down once you’ve started reading! The second book in the The First Wives series focuses on Trina Petrov and her story while also weaving in characters we've seen before in some of Catherine's previous books. Trina, a former flight attendant and now a very wealthy woman thanks to her marriage, is struggling to come to terms with her husband's death. The anniversary of it is approaching and she is desperate to find an excuse not to return home from a solo trip to Italy. Enter Wade Thomas, a popular country singer who is craving a little down time after his latest tour. A chance encounter in a bar with a woman who doesn’t recognize him and bonding over some much needed food is just the beginning of their adventures. As details from her husband’s death come to light, Trina finds herself and those she cares about in harm’s way. A demon from her past has reared its ugly head and now the people around her are in danger. Will it be too much for Wade to handle or is there a love song worth writing about in his future?

Trina is torn with guilt over her husbands suicide and struggling with the after affects of inheriting the Petrov fortune. She doesn't understand why her mother-in-law left everything to her in the will and she is beginning to understand the danger it has put her in with her late husbands father.

When Trina is heading home from her short sabbatical, she meets famous country singer Wade Thomas. She doesn't think she is ready to move on but Wade is charming enough to wiggle his way into her life.

Wade is coming off his tour and on his way home when he meets Trina in the hotel bar. He's so used to everyone knowing who he is that it completely throws him off when Trina doesn't recognize him or wants anything to do with him. She's like a breath of fresh air to him and he's intrigued enough to work for her affections.

We got to meet Trina Petrov in book one of the First Wives series. She was the reason the First Wives went on a cruise in book 1 to get away from the media storm caused by her husbands suicide and his mother's passing from cancer. This could be read as a standalone but some readers will want to get the beginning of this group of women's story.

Wade and Trina were a refreshing couple to read about. With his celebrity status, he doesn't have very many genuine people in his life. Trina has been through so much in such a short span, that not much impresses her. She knows there is more important things in life and that's exactly what Wade needed.

One of the reasons I really enjoy this authors books is because her characters are mature. From what I've read so far, the couples aren't petty or try to hurt each other. The conflicts in the story are from an outside source. In this case it was her father-in-law's greed.

Their is some minor pettiness from Wade's mom and ex-girlfriend but that wasn't the focus of their relationship and never put a wedge between them. I appreciate that so much as a reader and I'm truly looking forward to the next book in the series.

A WOW read - couldn't turn those pages fast enough. Exhilarating, engaging, action packed romantic story.
Cast of characters include a press dubbed "black" widow, and a country singer celeb. Drama unfold as losses look to be reclaimed. A sisterhood and brotherhood of friends have formed to keep those involved safe. Exhilarating story unravels as the past is revisited, past deeds are exposed and the truth comes to light.

Though she wasn't in love, Trina was still haunted by her husband's death. While she was trying to avoid her friends as the anniversary of his death approached, she met a charming country singer, who had made it his goal to get her from half empty to full of life again.

Trina had had a hard run of luck, and it was time for her to get her HEA. I was really delighted by the story Bybee gave her, because not only was her romance fabulous, but she also got a lot of closure. Trina had her husband's death, his father, and lots of suspicion hanging over her, and Bybee put it all to rest in this book thus freeing Trina from that past.

But let's talk about the most important part of the book - the romance. It was love at first page for me and Wade. There was just something about him. His charm, warmth, and snappy banter made me want to get to know him better. Wade was this country super star, who was a wonderful mama's boy with a pretty big heart for everyone else too. The chemistry between him and Trina was fantastic, and I just about melted when he made it his mission to make Trina smile as much as possible.

Once again, Bybee combine some suspense in with the romance, and the stakes were pretty high. But, have no fear, the whole crew was onboard to help Trina through this tragedy, and it's always great catching up with everyone. I love their group dynamic, and Wade and his bodyguard fit right in.

Overall: Another great installment of First Wives, which brought me some closure and added some new and great characters to the "family".

One thing I like about most in Catherine Bybee’s books is her love for suspense and drama to keep the story more than just a sappy love story. Half Empty is the second installment of her “spin-off” series from the Weekday Brides novels. The First Wives series are much like the ones from her original series where the leading couple are almost forced by circumstances mixed with attraction making their affair intoxicating and messy. Almost always a little over the top but still entertaining, Half Empty falls right in line with the others. The story begins a bit slow but starts to pick up steam about a third of the way through. There are many sweet scenes between the leading characters, Trina and Wade. I definitely recommend reading the first novel, Fool Me Once in order to fully understand the second. I would even encourage readers to read through the Weekday Brides first as there are references about many of the characters that make the story flow better if you know them already.

One other thing I really enjoy is how much world-building Catherine Bybee does with her books. The characters are mentioned at times in other novels like their is a mention Fairfield Charters in this novel, a company readers grow to love in her “Not Quite” series.

**3.5**

Why hasn’t Catherine Bybee written a high octane Hollywood movie script yet? I think this would make a great summer blockbuster. Half Empty started out as a sweet, slow-burn novel and ended with way more action and adventure than I was expecting. The heroine, Trina, was coming back from an open ended Italian vacation after her husband killed himself a year earlier. While meandering home to Texas, Trina hits up a hotel bar in Miami and meets handsome country superstar Wade Thomas. To Wade’s chagrin, Trina doesn’t have any idea who he is.

Trina and Wade’s romantic connection was very sweet but I wish I could understand why Wade was so drawn to Trina. She did nothing to encourage his pursuit and seemed really sad and lost for much of the book. She was even avoiding her girlfriends back home.

Trina’s conflicted feelings and grief over her late husband was very understandable and well explored. Her cast of supportive friends was beautiful and made her seem much more relatable and human. As much as I enjoyed Trina, she really didn’t have much direction in her personal or professional life. That was a main character point which wasn’t truly resolved by the end of the book. I would have liked more concrete answers but maybe we will get them in subsequent books.

Besides the overarching murder mystery plot, there was very little conflict between Wade and Trina. Wade was (unrealistically) all in right from the beginning and Trina didn’t put up much of a fight when it came to her feelings. I think one of the reasons is because Ms. Bybee spent a lot of time developing the supporting cast and a rather complicated cast of characters. I enjoyed learning about all of them but I felt that Wade and Trina were pushed to the side occasionally.

Part rock star romance, part romantic thriller, I really enjoyed this book. There were a few holes that prevented a full four stars but I absolutely enjoyed this book overall. I would recommend it as an easy, fun read with a kick.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I loved these two together!! Complete opposites. Wade is straightforward, outgoing and a little full of himself in a good way. Trina is more quiet and reserved. Carries herself with poise and grace. And when these two get together all that falls apart. Wade brings out the more adventurous side. More confident,sensual and flirty side. And I love that about them.

Trina meets the sexy cowboy and doesn't even know who he is. Which deflates the very popular county singers ego. But she has other worries. She has to face her husbands death and get the house cleaned out. Move on with her life. Let this guilt go. But as she and Avery start digging thru the house, someone doesn't like it. And the danger compounds exponentially. And Wade is there thru it all.
Never once does he waver in the face of danger. This good ole country boy takes protecting his woman serious and no one will get to her.

Wade is intruiged by Trina. Of course she is gorgeous. But he loves that she doesn't know who he is and isn't like any other woman he knows. And even with all of her baggage he finds her fascinating. And the more he's with her the more he falls. And falls fast. But things get dicey and keeping her safe and his family becomes the utmost priority. With money no object for either of them security shouldn't be a problem. But what about security for their hearts? Can true love be born out of fear and troubles? Will Trina once again lose someone she cares about or will Wade be the brokenhearted cowboy left to go on alone??

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. Half Empty is the second book in the First Wives series. I loved this title it was highly enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

Get a bucket of water because Catherine Bybee is on fire!! Confession time - I was excited to be given a review copy from the publisher via Netgalley. I will request anything by Bybee and only knew this was Trina’s story - no clue who the hero was. So I start reading and the story begins with a flirtation between Trina and a gondolier in Italy and thinking he was the hero I was not overly impressed with him and kept thinking this is the guy for Trina? Luckily, he was not the hero and soon we meet Wade, the true hero of the story.

I love Trina and Wade together. I love that she humbled him because she doesn’t really care or get that he’s famous. I love Wade’s banter with Avery (and his nickname for her)! While you can read this standalone, longtime fans of Bybee will love the shout outs to the Not Quite series and appearance and mentions of characters from the Brides series as well.

The mystery itself was good and is somewhat a continuation from Book one. However, you won’t feel like you’ve missed out if you haven’t read the first (but you should because it’s awesome too).

Great addition to this series. I’m dying for Shannon’s story and this book gives me hope that Avery is finally growing up enough to get her HEA eventually as well.

**ARC provided to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

This isn't your typical Catherine Bybee book. Half Empty (First Wives #2) has romance, suspense, and lots of steam. While romance/suspense isn't my favorite genre the story has plenty of twists to keep you guessing. A definite 3.5 stars.

I feel kind of bad by admitting that I didn't like this book. I didn't read the first book in this series because the premise wasn't attractive, but thought I would give this second book a chance.

Threats and danger add some excitement to the book. There was uncertain chemistry between the two main characters. Then there was the hokey language from the cowboy...let me just say that if a man calls me "little lady," I'm outta there and my family is from the south! Just...NO. That is not impressive. I felt like this character was channeling Rock Hudson in "Pillow Talk" when he was trying to snow Doris Day by pretending to be a cowboy.

So, there are hits and there are misses, and this one falls somewhere in between.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.

“Half Empty” is the second book in Catherine Bybee’s new series, “The First Wives.” In the beginning of book 2, we find the two main characters: wealthy widow, Trina (Katrina) Petrov, and famous country singing star, Wade Thomas, each seeking their own moment of peace. One escaping the demanding life of a singing artist. The other, not wanting to face the upcoming one-year anniversary of her husband’s death: by suicide. Both, for their own reasons, needed to escape.

Never having met, they find themselves sitting in a hotel bar, hoping to find food, close to midnight. Trina gets there a few minutes before the kitchen closes for the night and manages to place an order. Wade strolls in a little later, only to find he’s out of luck. “Sorry, the kitchen’s closed for the night.” The bartender said. After a while, Trina’s food is delivered and Wade’s stomach starts to growls. Trina takes pity on the salivating stranger and offers to share her meal with him. That’s the beginning of their social encounter. Both, unfortunately, were laid over in Miami, hoping to fly out to Texas the next day.

I must compliment Catherine Bybee on a great job of making the handsome cowboy sound authentic. With lines like: “Yes, Ma’am.” “What’s your name little lady? ‘I am many things, but I don’t sniff around another man’s woman.’” And, self-thoughts, such as: Lordy, what was it about her that made him want to strut like a cock in a henhouse? Kudos to you, Bybee!

However, the chemistry between these two was at odds. Wade seemed attracted. Even more so when he realized she didn’t know his true identity. He became more and more intrigued. How could she not know he was a “famous” country singer? But, for Trina, she didn’t want anything to do with him or any other man, especially after her experience in Italy. Her immediate response to his good looks and charm was, “not interested!”

This book is more than just a romance novel. The reader finds themselves taking a turn and ending up on a path of suspense and mystery. And, it’s only when everything turns chaotic, with death threats and dark secrets surfacing, that Trina finds herself falling deeply in love with a persistent cowboy who refuses to leave her side. No matter how dangerous the situation. It was touching the way these two people expressed their love for one another. The all or nothing attitude grabbed me.

Now, the nemesis in the story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Trina and her friends are in danger and need help from some old friends (characters) from the first book. And, although book #2 can be read as a stand-alone novel; I would recommend reading the first novel first. The reader will have a better feel for the characters and understanding the mysterious plot.

I’m giving this book four-stars. Because, I’m not completely feeling this new series. I was disappointed with the ending of book 1. However, the ending of this book has some redeeming factors; leaving me somewhat happier and hopeful for the series. Additionally, to me, the best part of this series is the relationship between the wives. They have banded together, supporting one another, no matter the situation or circumstance. Now, that’s beautiful!

I am so glad I found Catherine Bybee's books a few years ago. Every one of her books is fantastic. I had really enjoyed the first book in the First Wives series. Trina's story is even better. After her first husband died, I loved that she got a happy ending. Wade was the perfect fit. He is used to people always wanting something from him, Trina is perfect since she only wants him. The story had some twists and turns. It was good to see the other characters too. As always, I am looking forward to the next book as soon as I finish the current one. I received an advance copy from the publisher in return for an honest review.

This continues Bybee’s series about women who contracted temporary marriages with super-rich men knowing that they would divorce within a short period of time. It sounds rather cold, but not really because the women get to be heroines of their own romances so you know they can’t be all that bad.

I don’t buy that there could be a private business devoted solely to help people make such marriage arrangements, but just go with it. The heroine of this book, Trina, is still recovering from the trauma of having her husband commit suicide and then to have her mother-in-law die soon afterward and mysteriously leave her oil company fortune to Trina. So now she’s a widow with billions. She’s also beautiful and has some very good friends who are also in the First Wives Club and will travel across the country and out of it if they hear of one of the others having a problem. So, yeah. I didn’t feel so sorry for Trina and her billions.

She meets country music star Wade who is amazed that some woman he meets in a bar has never heard of him. Seriously, that is what first attracts him to her besides that she is, you know, supposedly gorgeous. He’s super famous and attracts paparazzi wherever he goes. So he likes meeting a woman who isn’t after him for his fame and money because she’s richer than he is. So he totally falls for her lickety split. She she for him.

At this point enters a mystery of someone who seems to be after Trina and her husband’s stuff. Fortunately, she has these good friends, one of whom, her lawyer is seeing a guy who runs a security firm (and were the H/h from the first book in the series). When someone seems to be out to kill you, it helps to have a guy who can call in bodyguards and all sorts of technology. And then there is the mysterious Sasha who is also out to protect Trina. Unfortunately, the mysterious opponent is ruthlessly evil and doesn’t mind going after anyone who gets between him and his desire to kill Trina.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review. If you can keep your disbelief suspended, this was a fun romance with a sprinkling of suspense thrown in.

Half Empy is a romance that has elements that I think romantic suspense readers will be able to enjoy as well. This story can be considered a stand alone novel but I would recommended to readers to read the first in the series to better enjoy this story. (I didn't read the first book)

While the story is a romance the suspense part of the story makes more since than the romance. The suspense will keep the readers hooked and wanting more out of this story than they are given.



Half Empty is able to bring closeur to left open plot and holes int he first book which will make readers of the series happy.



I enjoy Catherine Bybee series because she bring mystery and romance together giving readers a well balanced story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Montlake Romance for the advance copy.

A love story with a different slant. A wealthy widow meets a not as wealthy country music star with all the potential issues of such a union plus more ! An easy and enjoyable read for holiday reading. A few clues along the way as to the perpetrator of the crime.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to fellow readers. I read all of Bybee's Weekday series, which I loved, so was excited by this new series she started. I love the synopsis Bybee uses with the marriage contracts in the books and how the women have banded together and become friends.

This is the second book in the series and follows Trina Petrov and Wade Thomas. Trina's marriage by contract ended abruptly when her husband killed himself and his dying mother left all her considerable assets to Trina instead of her son. This leaves Trina a multi-billionaire with shares in a huge oil company; not everyone is happy with this outcome unfortunately.
Wade Thomas is a country superstar who is pleasantly surprised and also a bit perturbed when Trina has no idea who he is. The two meet late at night in a hotel bar when Trina reluctantly shares her massive dinner with Wade after the kitchen had closed. Needless to say, both are a bit intrigued by the other. Wade doesn't realize what he is getting into by pursuing Trina and all the drama that comes with it. To give you an idea, her late husband's father, who is a horrible man, is not willingly going to let Trina have all that money from his late wife.
There is a lot of background and I don't want to spoil the book but it is a great read. I love a little bit of murder and mystery with my romance.

This is the second book in the First Wives series. While technically it can be read on it's own, I will be reading the first book in the series to see what I missed and simply because this story was that good! Catherine Bybee has a talent for creating characters and story lines that immediately pull the reader in and have you truly hoping they can get their HEA. Fans of Bybee's earlier series, the Weekday Brides, will recognize plot elements but with all new characters and situations. These are the wives of the arranged marriages that didn't initially result in a love match as the Weekday Brides did. After reading what these "First Wives" are going through in their search for love, I can't wait to see what Bybee has in store for the remaining women, especially Avery.