A well written book that I had a hard time putting down, Claire, who works for MacBain Security that has has gone undercover as a student in high school, where human trafficking has been happening. Cooper Lockman, also an employee with MacBain has become a teacher at the same school. Cooper has always had eyes for Claire, now working together has sparked the chemistry between them.

This is a fast paced story that will keep you turning the pages. A topic that touches many. This is the first book in the series and can't wait to read the next Richter story.

Catherine Bybee is one of the first authors I read in the romance genre. I have since read most of her books and she never disappoints. Changing the Rules is definitely in my top five favorite Catherine Bybee books!

We met Chloe and Cooper in Say It Again, the final book in the First Wives Club series. This takes place about six years after the end of that book. Chloe is now working for Neil and Cooper is back from his assignment overseas. I loved watching this relationship transform while they were undercover. I liked that they had to keep it quiet due to their undercover roles. I loved getting introduced to their coworkers and am already hoping for a few of their stories.

This was definitely a romantic suspense. At times it did feel like there was more of a focus on the crime/mystery they were trying to solve, but I personally didn't mind that. This was definitely a five star for me and I cannot wait until book 2!

Characters from previous books, a new series, a relevant subject, creates a book I could not put down. I enjoyed every page. Cooper and Claire have worked together before he took an assignment in Europe. The current task involves them both at a local high school. Who is good and who is bad? That is for them to figure out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced copy for my voluntary review.

3.5 Stars

Changing the Rules is the first book in the Richter series by Catherine Bybee. The book is about a group of private investigators brought in to work on a case of missing teenage girls. The team must infiltrate the local high schools to find out the players in the plot to kidnap and prostitute vulnerable teenagers. The team sends in two female members pretending to be high school seniors and one male member pretending to be a teacher.

The lead female character, Claire Kelly, is a competent, lethal, trained assassin, who happens to be petite and young looking. Six years prior, at the age of eighteen, she is rescued from a military style training academy pretending to be a strict boarding school. When she started her employment with MacBain Securities and Solutions, she started a friendship with co-worker, Cooper Lockman. He fell for her, hard, but was discouraged from pursuing a relationship with her due to her age and recent experiences. So, Cooper took a post in the company’s Europe office. Now that he is back, he can no longer resist his pull towards Claire.

I found the book to be disjointed with many plots and sub plots. The writing was not particularly descriptive outside of the basics. I had a difficult time understanding the back story of the characters. There are two couples that have joined up in other stories. There is the back story of the military style boarding school, which is touched upon several times throughout this book, but I felt it lacked enough explanation to fully understand Claire’s background. The characters from the private investigator group are interesting but are not believable as high school students. For instance, one of women goes out for track. Supposedly, she has never run track yet she is the best on the team. Right, not believable. There are some positives. The story progressed at a fairly good pace. Once the investigation kicked up a notch the story was more enjoyable. If you are looking for a love story this one has one but its rather basic. There is a great deal of angst about Cooper not wanting to appear to be a teacher lusting after a student, so they must sneak around to hide their relationship. There is one sex scene, and again it is pretty basic.

~ Andrea

I received an advanced ready copy of this book to leave an honest review. I have read the entire Weekday Brides series and First Wives series. You will see some characters from these series but it is not necessary to read them before starting the Richter series. The only one I would maybe suggest reading first is "Say It Again" as it will give you some background on Richter, which is school that the main characters from this series attended. Overall I am huge fan of Bybee's works and love her books. I am excited for this new series.

This book follows Claire, a former Richter student that now works for a security firm, and Cooper, another security expert with the firm that knew Claire when she first graduated. A little background on their history is that Cooper had feelings for Claire back when they first met but she was only eighteen so he took a position overseas for six years to let her grow up. Now that he is back, he decides it is time to make his feelings known. Claire seems surprised he wants more than the friendship they've always had but no one else is.

Besides the growing relationship between Claire and Cooper, there is an undercover operation that both were called in to participate in. Someone is targeting young girls at schools in the area for human trafficking/sex slavery. So Claire (and her friend Jax) go undercover as students at two schools to try to uncover the people responsible. Cooper is put in as a teacher and track coach at Claire's school as an extra set of eyes and precaution. Things really heat up and there are a ton of moving players.

This book definitely keeps you on your toes! I love the plot line even though it is heartbreaking. I also love the romantic element but that it is not the whole focus of the book. I did find some areas hard to follow just because there are so many characters involved in the main plot but overall a very good book. I would definitely recommend.

ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from NetGalley 4.5 stars

Changing the Rules is book 1 in the new series Richter by Catherine Bybee and reading Say it Again give you the back story leading into this new series.

Claire Kelly, super spy alumni from Richter rescued and now works for MacBain Security is tapped to go undercover as a student to help support a task force uncover a teenage prostitution ring.

Cooper has felt an attraction for Claire from the day they met when she was 18 but since he was years older he chose to transfer to Europe...now 6 years later he returns and those feeling have not changed. He also goes undercover as Claire’s track coach.

Sparks fly, tensions are high, action, drama, mystery and so much more...

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

Catherine Bybee is one of the few authors I stalk to see when she's releasing something new.  I enjoy her books and she's not one to write the same thing over and over again.  Changing the Rules is the first book in a new series.  It is more of an in the field and in the thick of the action suspense title than roll in the sheets a million times romance. 

I enjoy these types of books because it gives me a break from all the sex but it keeps my mind occupied to figure out how the story is going to end.  Infiltrating a couple of high schools to bring down a prostitution ring is definitely one way to keep you guessing as to who's giving the orders.  

I would definitely be a trust no one, but my colleagues, type of character in this book. Which witch is which and who hooty hoo who?  What I'm saying is - there's a lot of players here and who's telling you want you want to hear vs who's telling you the truth?  That's the hard part of under cover work. Discernment.   

Right...so Claire and Cooper finally find time to explore their sizzling attraction to one another but ya gotta be discreet man. All the while bringing down a prostitution ring.  If that doesn't set themselves up for trouble...I don't know what else would.  

Give it a go and let me know what you think.

Let's be clear: this is a suspense novel (and partial ripoff of Twenty One Jump Street) with a few romantic scenes. It's not steamy, it doesn't feature a fully developed relationship, and it's not as much of a standalone as it thinks it is. There's as much discussion of human trafficking as there is discussion of feelings, so please know that going in. While the writing itself is solid, I found the tone to be a bit of a head scratcher - who is the intended audience for this? Because of the high school setting, it reads young, but the writing style feels old. It's too much of a romance to appeal to suspense lovers, but not enough of one to appeal to romance fans. Add in the fact that you'll be a little lost if you haven't read some of the author's other books, and... I just don't get it. None of that has anything to do with the quality of the writing, but this was trying to be too many things.

What a fabulous book. A ripped from the headlines kind of story.

Claire Kelly, who we met in the last book of the First Wives series, has been working for MacBain Security since she was rescued from the Richter School. She is a computer hacker talent and is a very young looking mid-20's woman. When a human trafficking cartel pokes its nose up in some nearby high schools, Claire is tasked with becoming a student again!

Cooper Lockman, working for MacBain Security, had feelings for Claire when she became part of the MacBain Security team. Wisely, he transferred to Europe and hasn't seen Claire for 6 years. He becomes part of the team looking to take down the human trafficking cartel and is tasked with being a teacher at the same school where Claire is a student.

What a wonderfully well thought out book! The way Claire has to adapt to being a schoolgirl and being able to stay undercover, while keeping an eye on her new high school friends and trying to make sure they stayed safe was fabulous. Cooper was able to make friends with some of the other teachers while teaching auto shop and coaching the track team. He also had to make sure his feelings for Claire stayed undercover!

I love the stories that Ms. Bybee writes. Her writing style flows. I'm always happy to begin one of her novels and satisfied, although a bit sad, that I've completed the story. I can't wait for more books in the Richter series. I also loved that Ms. Bybee dedicated the book to 2020 graduates!

I received an ARC of this book, but also purchased the print version...it's just that good!!

I was excited to start a new series from Catherine! And I found myself completely lost in Cooper and Claire's story! I enjoyed the job they were tasked with and how they had to go undercover to find out what was happening to the teenagers in the area. They had different roles and they had to maintain them, even though high school wasn't their life. I enjoyed the bantering between Claire and her friends. I liked seeing her develop the new friendships while they worked the case. She was kind and considerate but she was there to get the job done. The chemistry between her and Cooper could set my kindle on fire, but it was a nice, slow burn. I didn't want this book to end!

This is a great new read from Catherine Bybee and the best part is it is just the beginning of a new series from this fantastic author. Fans of Ms. Bybee's previous books will recognize the "Richter" references but if this is your first book, no worries you can easily follow the storyline. This book is filled with mystery, action, and of course a wonderful slow build romance that keeps you turning page after page. The characters are all well developed and the story moves along at a nice pace. All the things that make a good book! This is a definite must read. I highly recommend it.

I enjoyed the story, but it definitely wasn’t what I expected. It’s billed a romance, but I’d say it was more suspense with a sprinkling of mild attraction mixed in. The connection between Claire and Connor is a bit juvenile, especially their slow burn love scene. I don’t see a lot of chemistry between them.
The subject matter was thought provoking, so that part of the book was interesting, but it wasn’t what I expected, based on previous books by the author. While I give it 4 stars for the writing but overall, it was more a 3 star read in my book...good, but not as memorable or riveting as some I’ve read.

I was so happy when I found out that Catherine Bybee was starting-up a new series and picking-up the character of Claire from the First Wives Series. It was clear there was some tension between Cooper and Claire, which considering Claire's age would not have been okay at that point, so catching up with them in the future and meeting again was the perfect way to handle that relationship. For anyone who hasn't read those books, having that history is not really important and Bybee is great filling in the details you need without boring those of us who already know them. The story is one of my favorites of Bybee's so far. The characters are both so well written and not too "perfect" with both showing some immaturity at times, but still learning from it. The mystery was also well done and the development flowed very naturally.

Changing The Rules is the first book in a new series (Richter series), which revolves around two characters introduced in the final book of The First Wives Club series, Say it Again. The main characters: Claire Kelly and Cooper Lockman are co-workers at the MacBain Security and Solutions.

Claire and her guardian, Sasha, became new employees at MacBain, which is the first job for Claire right out of high school and to live in American.

When 18-year-old Claire joins the team at MacBain, Cooper is delighted to work with someone closer to his age. Initially, Cooper was happy to take her under his wing and show her the ropes. Feeling like the big brother, he gives her a nickname, Yearling. They both think it’s fun and appropriate for the new-bee. However, the more he works with Claire, the more Cooper develops different feelings for her. He no longer sees the Yearling but sees the young woman named Claire. For Cooper, working so closely with her daily was agonizing. So, because of their age difference and the standing office rules, Cooper decides he needs to put some time and distance between them. He transfers to one of MacBain European offices, hoping to find peace. Six years later, Cooper returns and decides it’s time to change the rules. Thus, the beginning of the new series, Changing The Rules.

I love all the characters in this book. The plot is intriguing and touches on a subject matter relevant today. Child trafficking, drugs, and prostitution. Kudo’s to Bybee for addressing such a horrific crime. This story will keep the reader guessing and sitting on the edge of their seat, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

As the reader progresses through the book, they will meet new characters, possible future heroes, and heroines in the future books of the series. Also, more facts surface about Richter school, Claire’s past, and her best friend, Jax, also, alumni of Richter School.

Now, for the downside for this reader. I was a bit disappointed in the romance between Cooper and Claire. I didn’t feel that burning, yearning, and the powerful pull one gets when reading a romance novel. So, the question is, was it worth the wait and sacrifice for Cooper? Well, I highly recommend reading the book to make your own decision. This book did not thrill me in the romance department, but it delivered in other areas. I highly recommend reading this book. I give this book 4-stars. Thank you, Catherine, for another fascinating book.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

Clair Kelly has been working for MacBain security for six years, putting the skills she learned at Richter to good use. Meanwhile, Cooper, who was there when all of the activities of the exclusive private school were brought to light. But his attraction to Clair, and her young age when she was brought into the MacBain fold, had him transferring out of the country - to avoid temptation, and let Clair grow up some outside of the confines of the restrictive school.

Now, Cooper is back, and all bets are off. AS the two go under cover at a local high school to ferret out a human trafficking ring, the two grow close. And after all these years, Cooper is ready to bare his soul to Clair.

Initially taken aback by Coopers declaration, she focuses in on the mission at hand. But the more time they spend together, the more she begins to see her friend through new eyes. While the two explore the parameters of their changing relationship, things are heating up in the case, putting Clair in more danger than any of them could have anticipated.

Changing the Rules was an excellent beginning to a new series, by an author that always brings her A game. The slow build of the romance, coupled with the investigation into their case kept me turning the pages of this one right up to the gripping finale. I absolutely loved it!

This book is so good. Claire can kick butt and was good to see that she can handle stuff on her own. Her friends are good too. Was glad I read this book. First time for me to read Catherine Bybee book and I was not disappointed. I can't wait to read other books and get to know those characters. I highly recommend reading this book. Claire is good at what she does and what she had to go through to find information out couldn't have been easy. I loved Cooper. He adored Claire so much and I was glad that they worked together and are best friends. And glad for the happy ending to this book. I enjoyed reading this book.

This was an exciting undercover detective story blended with a romance.

For the romance, Claire & Cooper are a mix of second chance romance + slight age gap/forbidden romance. After being apart for years and the affection being one sided, their chemistry is undeniable upon their reunion. Their banter is both fun and serious as they carefully navigate & embrace the changes in their relationship.

The undercover detective story was extremely engaging, realistic, dramatic, and a real page turner. The author did an excellent job of shining a light of human trafficking and how close to home it can be. In spite of the serious topic, the story was a fun read. The cast of characters were entertaining and dynamic as were the situations they found themselves in.

Changing the Rules had me glued to my seat. I love romantic suspense.
Claire and Cooper go undercover to expose human trafficking in high schools.
It’s good to see characters from previous books as you are visiting with friends.
Engaging, suspenseful read.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance, Mystery
Triggers: Hints at less than stellar boarding school experience, Human Trafficking

Someone is targeting high school girls and the MacBain Security group is going to figure it out.

Claire had an atypical high school experience. With her ability to blend in, kill with her bare hands, and outrun pretty much anyone, she makes an excellent operative.

Her roommate, Jax, is also from the same high school and just as lethal. She is spunky and gets to also go undercover at a different high school.

While Claire and Jax get to head back to high school, Cooper is now back from the UK and is going back as a track coach. Cooper left abruptly several years ago and coming back, while it's what he wants, tempts him again.

Several undercover operations are happening all at once and discovering who is behind all of these kidnappings is key to helping save so many more. It will take the wits of everyone, the alpha protection of Cooper, and for everyone to work together.

I really enjoyed this book. The romance didn't overpower the mystery and I thought that the story was fairly well developed. I did want to know a little more about Jax and Claire's school, but the hints kept you from being completely in the dark.

I can't wait for the next book!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
As part of the team of MacBain Security and Solutions, Claire Kelly and the team has a new assignment. They are going undercover as high school students to bring down a ring targeting young girls. One of those team members is Cooper Lockman.

Cooper used to be part of the team until he was sent to the UK to work. Now six years later, he is back and Claire doesn't know how to deal with the feelings she is feeling. As Claire and Jax are pretending to be students, Cooper is pretending to be a teacher/coach. This case will work out as long as people don't find out who they are.

As Claire and Jax get close to some of the students, hoping they can find out who is behind the missing girls. Cooper is a shop teacher and assistant track coach. Watching Claire run track is something that he isn't sure he can bear. Claire has to remind herself to dial down her running, she doesn't want to show all her skills and have everyone question who she really is.

Can Cooper keep Claire safe if things go wrong? Is there a chance for a future for Cooper and Claire after this case? Will they find out who is running the ring before anyone else goes missing?

I really liked this story, it is a romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. I was so drawn to this story that I finished it in one day. The hero is the perfect alpha male, he is protective and strong. The heroine is strong and independent, and they are the perfect couple. This is a first for me from this author and I can't wait for more in this series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series – but any Bybee fan will recognise the name Richter from previous series, and Sasha in particular from the First Wives series. I loved catching up with her, and the lead in this book, Claire, also played a small but important role in Say It Again.

This is a good romantic suspense. The setting of a crime ring within a group of schools, both public and private – investigated by MacBain Security partly because Neil is concerned for his daughter – is engaging and I enjoyed how it played out with Claire and Jax acting as teens and newly returned Cooper as a substitute teacher.

Cooper first fell for Claire when she was freed from her life at Richter's. But she was really too young for him and he and Neil agreed he better leave. Six years later he is back, and he still feels as strongly as ever. Rather sweetly, I don't think Claire had understood this until he explains, and it is rather sweet how he is prepared to be honest with her – and she is surprised and flattered. It was really cutely written and fitted with the fact that she was playing a schoolgirl at the time.

Their brief trip to see a victim, gives her the chance to recover her adult persona and explore the possibility of falling for her much-loved friend. I liked the slow burn... poor Cooper, after waiting six years, he knew he had finally a chance at love.

Very happy that there is a new series from the talented Catherine Bybee; I will definitely be looking out for the next book's release.

Loved this book!! This is the first book I've read of Catherine's and I am so excited to read more of her books. This book is the first one in the Richter series. It is the perfect length -- around 325 pages. This story takes place is about undercover detectives trying to uncover a prostitute ring in a high school. Catherine covers this hard topic so brilliantly. So far there are 3 books in this series -- the next two to be released later this year.