Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series and is one of my favourite – although they are all really good, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, to get the full background to this engaging group of women. I am going to assume that you have in my review.

Shannon has always been the outlier in the group, as she fell for her husband and was devastated when the time came for her divorce. As the others have been finding their happily ever afters, she has been stuck thinking about Paul. But finally, we get her deciding it is time to move on and because she has no intention of the pain of falling in love again, she is now looking for a one-off to give her the baby she so wants! As you can imagine, this gives the rest of the first wives considerable anxiety, but good friends that they are, they offer wingwoman services.

As we see Avery join her on a destination wedding photo job, little could we imagine how an encounter on a plane could unfold into quite such a delicious and meaningful romance. I really enjoyed how the story developed at just the right speed. Bybee is a very good writer, and I was turning pages long into the night as it was really difficult to even contemplate waiting to find out what happened next. I was delighted with how they worked together on both their hang-ups and their desires.

I am quite sure that I will be rereading this series of books in one go sometime soon, as I am sure that there will be subtleties that I have forgotten due to the passage of time which will bring even more richness to the story. Great idea for a way of telling four very different women's stories.

I have been really looking forward to this book. I love this author and I’ve loved this series. Shannon has been the most reserved one of the group. Because of this I had a feeling her story would be very interesting, and this book does not disappoint. I loved everything about this book. The story progression was interesting and effortless. It did not seem forced as sometimes stories tend to get. Both Shannon and Victor were amazing. These were complex characters who had a learning curve about themselves and each other. Their chemistry was sizzling from the beginning.

If you’ve read the other books in this series, we also get to check in with all the others. I love seeing where they are now. If you haven’t read the others, don’t worry. This is a complete standalone. You will not be lost. Each book has overlap with interconnected characters, but each storyline is complete. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend it and this entire series. Who am I kidding…just read everything from this author!

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.

Read full review » https://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2019/03/12/review-faking-forever-by-catherine-bybee/

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.

Shannon is the only single woman from The First Wives group today and has decided she wants to have a child no matter what. Always reserved and quiet, she surprises her newly-married friends with this news, having already planned everything: she'll go to Mexico to photograph a wedding, stays there for a few more days, chooses a baby daddy and returns from there pregnant. Pefect! All her problems solved .... or so she thought.

Victor is a workaholic, serious and without many friends who never imagined being left on the altar by his fiancee. When approaching Shannon, the woman who didn't like him since she met him and who does not melt for his money or his charm, he realizes how his behavior itself may have pushed his bride away and then decides to stay on the beach for a few more days without thinking at work.

Attraction between these two are inevitable and upon returning from traveling both will have to deal with a jealous ex fiancee and with tabloids who insist on creating unreal stories about them. Between hot kisses and humorous conversations, they will realize how much they can change their way of seeing the world and life and how together they can form a pair with perfect fit.

With a light and humorous writing, Catherine Bybee brings a romance with light social criticism and loaded with passion and hot scenes with the chance to review the wonderful characters of the previous books and a cute epilogue.

Catherine Bybee once again brings us an incredible story with characters that will melt your heart from the beginning and a story that will keep you entranced from the first page to the last. This book is a perfect example of why Ms. Bybee is one of my go to authors!

In this one we have Shannon. A woman who has lost at love but doesn't want to give up her dream of having a child. With a plan firmly in place she sets out to find a baby daddy with no strings or obligations attached. Then there is Victor. A workaholic who can't even take the time off for a proper honeymoon and he wonders why he's jilted at the altar. When these two first meet it's not pretty and Shannon hurls some pretty caustic words Victor's way. When everything she says proves true Victor is determined to prove to Shannon that he's not the man she thinks he is. Could he be just the man she needs?

Put this on the must read list, I highly recommend it.

The fourth book in The First Wives series by Catherine Bybee, “Faking Forever” is arguably the most fun to read. First, the hero and heroine are “so of today!” Victor Brooks is a Recycle King. He was buying and selling scraps long before it was fashionable. And with recyclable goods on top of the headlines currently, Victor is so relevant to the readers!

The heroine, Shannon Wentworth is a glitterati! She might be one of those who was hiding in plain sight, but once a scandal ensues, she became a tabloid fodder one again. Ironically, she is also a photographer though not a paparazzi.

Between Victor being left at the altar and Shannon looking for a baby daddy, it was easy to assume that those two were heading for a disaster. But, hold your horses! They did not. Showing off her prowess as a storyteller, author Catherine Bybee gave readers to a sweet, heartwarming and sometimes laugh out loud funny love story.

You will fall in love with Victor and Shannon. Plus, you will meet the characters in the first three books as part of the story and not just cameo appearances. You don’t need to read the first three books though. “Faking Forever” is a standalone novel. Yet, I won’t be surprised if after reading this, you will want to know more about Shannon’s friends.

“Faking Forever” is Rated T for Teens due to some adult situations. Parental guidance is strongly advised.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

I hate that this is the last book in the First Wives series. These ladies are so much fun to read! In this final novel we learn about Shannon and her interests. Her biological time clock is ticking and she's determined to have a baby the natural way...though she's not seeing anyone to make that happen. One night stand it is!

Her photography business takes her to Mexico to shoot a wedding and had decided that's where she'll find her baby daddy. No matter how much her friends try to talk her out of following through with this plan Shannon is determined to follow through.

I want to tell you so much about this story! I won't spoil it for you though. You're just going to have to take a chance on Shannon and see how she handles this whole debacle. It's entertaining for sure. The relationship between Shannon and Victor starts out very rocky then moves to more.

If you haven't read any of the other books in this series you can read this one without the others. Though you might enjoy them better in order. I recommend this book and series to you. I devoured them as soon as I could read them.

4.5 stars

It’s finally time for level-headed, quiet, supportive Shannon to get her HEA. It’s amusing how the shy woman we’ve gotten to know through this series lets her true self show in this book. So much so that Victor can’t even believe the woman her friends describe is the same woman he knows.

This story doesn’t have the same suspense/danger element of the other stories in the series, but it’s still a wonderful read. I loved watching Victor and Shannon both grow and seeing their love blossom. As always, it was also wonderful to watch this group of friends band together. The men support their women but also support each other when they know the women aren’t able to break their friend code. It’s a lot of fun to read.

While there are other characters in this series I could see getting their own stories, I’m pretty sure this is the last book in this series. But that doesn’t mean the author won’t spin this off into another series. After all, this series is a spin-off of her Weekday Brides series. I adore this author and believe she writes some of the best female friendships.

I knew there was a reason I am always dying for the next Catherine Bybee novel. Dang, she’s a dynamite author! FAKING FOREVER had me staying up way too late on a work day and grinning from ear to ear by the end. When is the next book coming out?? I need it!

To be honest, when I first read the synopsis of this book, I was a little hesitant. I continued to be trepidatious through the first 20% of the story. The heroine, Shannon, is going to Mexico to photograph a wedding, and then find a random guy sleep with and hopefully knock her up so she can be a mom without having a significant other.

I think it goes to show how good of a writer Ms. Bybee is, because the heroine’s rationale is insane. Did I mention that she’s a multi-millionaire? Shannon absolutely has other options available to her. Combine that ridiculousness with a recently jilted hero (it was his wedding Shannon was going to photograph), and you don’t have one of my favorite plot lines. If you’re like me and this gives you pause, give this book a chance! The story will pull you in.

This book is Catherine Bybee at her very best. I’ll admit the beginning is a little slow, and I didn’t know where the plot was going to go, but that’s part of the reason I adore Bybee’s books! She usually manages to surprise me. The last 3/4 of this book is fun, and sweet, and truly great fun.

Shannon has a lot of growing and soul searching to do, and so does Victor (the hero). My favorite part of this novel is the open and honest adult conversations they have as a couple. Shannon and Victor are both in their mid-thirties and acted with maturity and grace most of the time, while still having a blast and being silly while they fell in love. This book was such a fantastic little escape from reality.

Another positive of this story is that it stands alone well. It’s the fourth book in a series and the characters from past books are a part of the novel, but the romance and plot are pretty separate. A new-to-Bybee reader could absolutely start here.

Overall, this was a great novel. It took a little while to get into the meat of the plot, but once it gets going, you’re not going to put this book down. FAKING FOREVER is the perfect book to bring to the beach or pool. Or, really, it’s ideal for any situation!

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

This was the book I have been waiting for since the series started and Shannon’s story did not disappoint in fact it was everything and more than I would expect in a great read. This book is romance at it best, it’s an enemies to lovers wrapped up in a second chance romance and I’m sure like me you will experience all the feels by the end of this story.
Shannon a divorcee looking to start a family and to be honest she is happy to be a single mum, she may be on the lookout for the perfect baby daddy but she sure didnt expect to find him at the wedding she has been hired as the photographer especially considering he was the groom who was left at the altar.......
A enjoyable entertaining read with characters I loved, I love this group of women and I’m loving the partners they are finding in each story. I do believe you can read these books as stand-alones but I’m sure once you have read one you will want to read the others. Looking forward to more from this very talented author and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.

**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!!

Faking Forever by Catherine Bybee is book 4 in the First Wives Series. This is the story of Victor Brooks and Shannon Wentworth. I feel this can be made into a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Shannon is a divorced women after her husband left her. Now she is busy working as a Photographer and looking to achieve her goal of becoming a mother. Victor is a workaholic never really stopping for anything, even working hard when he should be setting things right for his wedding. Shannon gets a destination wedding photo shoot where she thinks to find that one man to be the father of her baby. Victory's future bride walks away and lays some blame on Shannon. But sparks were flying between the two but both agree to a step away time to make sure that what sparks are flying are real ones.
This was a nice change from the younger couples to a more mature romance that still had the heat on high. Great series!

In Faking Forever (First Wives #4) by Catherine Bybee, Going to Mexico to photograph a wedding sounds like a much needed vacation to the former first lady of California, photographer Shannon Wentworth. Since her divorce, she’s been nursing a broken heart and feeling restless–until she makes a plan to become a single mom by finding a cute guy in Mexico to help her get pregnant. But things go wrong from the get-go. The bride has second thoughts. The weather isn’t cooperating. The bride’s mother is a monster. And the groom turns out to be surly, as well as suspicious of Shannon’s involvement, when the bride pulls a runner. Handsome as Victor Brooks might be, she knows it’s wrong to think such thoughts about him considering his fiancee just left him at the altar. But shared moments with him after the wedding fiasco subsides leaves Shannon to wonder if they should explore the attraction between them.

Being jilted at the altar was not on Victor’s radar when he arrived in Mexico. But he has to admit that work had taken over his thoughts instead of being focused on his bride-to-be and their big day. After family talks him into staying in Mexico to relax and sort his life out, Victor unplugs from his career for the first time in…so long he can’t remember. The biggest surprise of all? He enjoys the sun, the sand, and most especially the charming photographer who saw him at his worst. Shannon is very different from his too-young former fiancee. But in the best of ways. And while it’s too early to start thinking of a relationship, Victor finds himself bargaining with Shannon to give them a chance–in three months–once they have time to recoup and see what happens from there once back to their normal daily lives in California.

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. A couple who started off butting heads and ignoring their attraction when they first met, and then eventually showed the world how perfectly they fit into each other’s lives.

I’ve been intrigued by Shannon since book one and I’ve wanted more details on her life as well as her time as the first lady of California. She had a quiet strength; someone who handled things with grace and who showed how selfless and caring she could be. What I loved about Shannon in this book is that she finally let loose a little. (Okay, a *lot* at times!) Deciding she wanted a baby, whether that meant in a traditional relationship or as a single mom, was a huge step for her. Then there was Victor. A man who brought out the sass in Shannon and with whom she shared some of Bybee’s sexiest and most fun dialogue to date. I was so entertained by their interactions that I had a perma-grin the whole time. (lol)

I will be honest that I had a moment of doubt when we first met Victor. He was, well, an alphahole to be honest. But I had faith that Bybee would have him redeem himself and he certainly did. Turns out that too much work and no fun made Victor a cranky guy. But the real man under the designer suits was loyal, kind, wicked smart, and oh-so deliciously sexy. It felt like he and Shannon understood each other well and that he had her best interests at heart. Even when things got a bit dicey. Victor might have made some mistakes, but it seemed honest and fit the situation so I think fans will definitely forgive him for any blunders made.

Passionate, sultry, and filled with genuine emotions that ran the gamut, Faking Forever was a journey of self-discovery and of a love that was truly meant to be. Highly recommended.

I have finally been able to read a Catherine Bybee book! She has been on TBR list and I am so glad that I read this book. Faking Forever by Catherine Bybee is the fourth book in the First Wives Series. Even though the book is the 4th in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel. However, I am so interested in the other characters, now I have to get the previous books!

Shannon is the ex-wife of a former governor. She has spent years trying to heal from the breakup that she knew was coming. But now she feels that her biological clock is ticking and starts thinking about having a baby on her own. However, in her spare time, she does photography for weddings. She flies to a destination wedding that has a nervous bride, an overwhelming mother, and a workaholic groom. Obviously, that is a bad mix and the bride makes a break for it just before the wedding starts. Shannon uses this opportunity to take a little vacation and maybe spot a sperm donor? Well, turns out the workaholic groom named Victor, decides to stay behind as well. They couldn’t be more different. However, they both make an impression on each other and make them take a hard look at what they want their future lives to look like.

What a great book to review on International Women’s Day! This book is a powerhouse of strong, determined women and fantastic female friendships. Can all of these women be my best friends, please? What I love about this book is that it is a romance but it wasn’t just that. It is about this couple finding themselves individually and finding their own happiness outside of relationships. Shannon is spectacular! She absolutely shines as the main character. I love her self-realization and growth throughout the story. All of the characters are real and relatable. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series and read about the other friends in the First Wives group! If you enjoy fun, witty romance, this is the book to read. I definitely rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you, NetGalley, Montlake Romance, and Catherine Bybee for a copy of the book!

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*

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher**

Catherine Bybee is always at the top of my MUST read list and Faking Forever is just another reason why!

Shannon Wentworth has always been the quiet, reserved member of the First Wives Club. Its taking her a long time to get over her divorce as she fell in love her husband. With her biological clock ticking, she puts a plan in place.

Victor Brooks poured his heart & soul into building his own business from the ground up. When he almost marries the wrong woman, he realizes how out of whack his priorities may be.

Of course when Shannon and Victor first meet, things do not go well but as they spend more time around each other, things begin to change. They become attracted to each other but decide their timing isn't right. They decide to wait and see how they feel in three months but you know what they say about best laid plans.

I've really enjoyed these characters and getting to know more about Shannon. She has always been the level headed one, doling out advice. In Faking Forever, we get to see a different side to her. I love her sassy side!

This was another terrific addition to the First Wives Club Series! I can't wait to see what Catherine has in store next!

5 Star Review Faking Forever (First Wives #4) by Catherine Bybee
There is something about Catherine Bybee’s style of writing that resonates with me. She weaves a story that has me invested from the very start. Although a stand alone I would probably be inclined to read the previous books in the series before reading Faking Forever as their stories provide the back story for this book.
Shannon Wentworth is a successful photographer and has no intention of settling down, happy to remain single. However Shannon wants a baby and she is determined that nothing will stop her in making her dreams come true.
Victor Brooks is the jilted groom whose wedding Shannon was meant to be photographing. Now it looks like he will be on his honeymoon on his own.
From the first moment Victor and Shannon meet, the sparks fly and the air around them sizzles.
Ms.Bybee creates characters that are strong, yet vulnerable and you know that there will be plenty of romance and some rather steamy scenes. It was wonderful to see Shannon finally come into her own.
When Shannons’s past comes back to haunt her and danger rears it’s ugly head, Victor will do what he has to to protect the woman he has come to care for. I fell hard and fast for Victor, he was so swoon worthy.
It was great to see the other ladies of the first wives club and catch up on their lives as well. I love this group of strong and determined women and I am sad to see the series conclude.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Absolutely awesome book in the First Wives series. Faking Forever is Shannon’s story. This story follows the main characters that became close best friends after their first marriages ended. Shannon is hesitant, even years after her divorce, to get close to a man but her desire to have a baby is strong. She ends up being the photographer for a destination wedding but realizes neither the bride or groom really care for one another. She strongly dislikes the groom, Victor. Suddenly, after the bride runs away she gets to really know the intended groom. I love the crossover of secondary characters. Ms. Bybee’s books catch the reader from beginning to end, they’re fun as well as romantic and a pleasure to read. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this talented author.

Faking Forever is my favorite of all in Catherine Bybee’s First Wives series. It brought me back to the lighthearted writer that I knew - and loved - of the Not Quite series! To be clear, I’ve enjoyed the First Wives series, but it’s edgier, more cynical, and not at all like what I was used to. As I said before about this series...different isn’t bad, it’s just different.

Shannon is the quiet, wounded member of the First Wives - a group of three divorced women who had marriages that were arranged, and then dissolved, at a predetermined time in exchange for a large sum of money. Whereas the other two members, Trina and Avery, really did have a marriage of convenience and walked away without any hard feelings, Shannon fell in love with her arranged husband. When he didn’t return her feelings, she walked away with $6 million and a bruised heart. She’s thrown herself into her photography business to keep busy, and has decided time is running short to have the family she desperately wants. With a job in Mexico to shoot a wedding, she hatchs a plan to extend her stay and find herself an anonymous (conceived the old fashioned way) baby daddy.

The wheels fall off her plan when, first Avery decides to tag along, and second, the left-at-the-altar groom falls for her.

Victor, the jilted groom, makes a terrible first impression on Shannon, and then accuses her of sabotaging his wedding. But then they manage to be staying at the same resort the week after the wedding, and get to know each other. Shannon discovers Victor isn’t exactly the workaholic he appeared, and Victor learns that maybe being left at the altar is for the best. When emotions between them start to spark, and Victor learns Shannon’s real reason for extending her stay in Mexico, they make a plan to go back home to their separate corners of Los Angeles and wait three months.

This is perhaps the best storyline EVER. Because I LOVE when adults act like adults! Yeah, yeah, getting caught up in the moment is fun and marginally romantic. But what REALLY impresses me are characters who are intentional and mature.

Of course, the road to happily-ever-after is always a little bumpy. Victor and Shannon both struggle to deal with the remnants of their pasts, and it colors the world they’re trying to create for themselves. But AGAIN, I love how this author deals with the conflicts - it’s realistic, dealt with in a realistic way (well, mostly…not all of us have the means to fly away at the drop of a hat!), without an excessive amount of drama and angst.

So even though this series hasn’t been as sweet and lighthearted as the Catherine Bybee I’ve known and loved, I’ve enjoyed this series. It’s a true testament to this author’s writing ability that she can get a little outside her usual style and still deliver a completely satisfying read.

I thought Faking Forever would be the last book in the First Wives series, but just yesterday discovered there will be a fifth. And I couldn’t be more thrilled. This is an author I will squeal about when I’m approved for an ARC, so I’ll be actively watching for Say It Again. Even though the heroine in the final story has been a minor side-character throughout this series and I really don’t have much interest in her story, I don’t even care. I will read anything by Ms. Bybee, any day of the week!

* thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review