4.5/ 5 stars

Changing the Rules is the first book in the Richter series. This book is a romantic suspense.

This is a spinoff series. And I wish that I had known this in advance. It can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone. But I prefer to know when a character's backstory is featured in a previous book.

The female narrator is 24 year old Claire (3rd person POV). She works at MacBain Security and Solutions. And she is put on an amazing case.

The story mostly takes place in California. And I love that two female characters are leading the story (Claire and her best friend Jax).

Much of the story has a high school setting. And the mystery is the key focus of this book. Yes there is romance. And we do get an intriguing male 3rd person POV. But to me the mystery was what made me not be able to put the book down.

There are some difficult topics discussed. There is lots of undercover work. And I really enjoyed it all.

Overall, this is a great start to a new series. If you like romantic suspense then I would definitely recommend it.


*Here are the books that relate to Changing The Rules:
1. Say It Again (First Wives #5) (Sasha's story, Claire is in it).
2. Fiancé by Friday (The Weekday Brides #3) (Gwen and Neil's story).

The story starts on a slow note but picks up pace soon. We have romance, mystery and suspense. As the story begins, the brewing chemistry between Claire and Cooper is obvious. Claire and Jax go undercover as students - this is the best part of the story. The ending is good - an extra dash of suspense makes the ending more interesting.

Claire and Cooper have known each other for several years. But he has been gone for 6 years and now she is a woman. Grown enough to know what she wants. Cooper has wanted Claire for years. But she was eighteen and too young for him in his mind. Now that he’s back he can’t keep his eyes or mind off of her. Their chemistry is off the charts and passion thru the roof. With the changing rules of their relationship, the dangers abound even more. So many twists and turns that you don’t know what or who to trust. Great writing!

With a new and dangerous undercover job focused on child traffickers, they have to find a happy medium with his as coach and her as high school troublemaker/track star. Finding these dangers is first and foremost and nothing can deter them. But nothing can keep the flames from growing fiercer and more hot between them and with them taking the next step in their relationship they truly face their own demons.
Faced with the most dangerous possible outcome Claire, Cooper and the rest of the team must all come together for the sake of all the kids and new friends. Will changing the rules cause mistakes that could cost one or more their lives?? Or will their love be the breaking point that saves them all.

CHANGING THE RULES – Catherine Bybee
Richter, Book 1
Montlake
ISBN: 978-1542009911
March 23, 2021
Contemporary Romance

California – Present Day

Claire Kelly has seen just about everything in her six and half years working as an undercover investigator for MacBain Security and Solutions. Much of her time is spent blending in with the rich and famous at posh parties while keeping a close eye out for any problems. But her latest assignment is a new one for her. She is going undercover at a high school to pose as a student there. Claire can certainly pull off the looks, even if her experience—and expertise—goes beyond what any high school senior knows. Her assignment, and that of Jax, a fellow PI, is to infiltrate the school looking for signs of human sex trafficking. Several students have recently disappeared and ended up in a sadistic sex trafficking ring, and they need to find out if there is someone employed there—or a student—who might be involved.

Back in town to help with the case—and pose as a track coach at the school—is Cooper Lockman. Cooper had been in Europe working at another branch of their agency. There was a hint of attraction between Cooper and Claire six years ago, and once he left, she hadn’t heard from him. Now they’re working on a case together. Cooper soon reveals that the reason he left six years ago is that he felt Claire was too young for him to romance. But now that he is back, and she is older? Let’s see where things go. Meanwhile, Claire and Jax, as well as Cooper, settle into their assignments. Soon, Claire is marking her tenure as the “rebel” and attending parties. Will they hit the mother lode and find out who is responsible for forcing high school girls into human trafficking? Will Claire and Cooper find time for a little romance?

It isn’t just high school antics for Claire and Cooper in CHANGING THE RULES by Catherine Bybee. Claire hasn’t forgotten her school years, but hers was different from most students. Her teen years were spent at Richter School in Germany, where she was trained and molded into a top-notch undercover agent for the MacBain Security and Solutions agency. She can use weapons with ease and dress up—or down—to fit into the scene. First thing Claire and Cooper will need to do is mix in with the students and facility. Hopefully, this will lead to someone’s guard being caught down and a lead to materialize. They also will meet every few days to catch up with what they’ve learned. Claire and Cooper soon realize just how attracted they are to each other. Will they finally act upon those feelings?

CHANGING THE RULES isn’t just a romance taking place at a high school. There is intrigue (human trafficking) and chasing leads—and suspects—to either rule out someone or find new ones. Things don’t always go smoothly, especially with the bad guys not known to be hospitable toward others. Are Claire and Cooper on the right track going undercover at the school? How much danger will they be in? Once the gig is over, can they continue their romance?

A tale that will have you on the edge of your seat with its suspense and romantic hijinks, don’t miss CHANGING THE RULES.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

It will post soon at Romance Reviews Today: http://romrevtoday.com/index.htm

4.5 stars for the start of another fabulous series! First, as a parent of a 2020 high school senior, Bybee's book dedication got me all teary and her sentiment is much appreciated. Second, also being a parent of a middle school teen soon to be in high school, this book will make you want to take their phone, flush it down the toilet, and wrap them in bubble wrap until they are adults...if even then.

Claire's upbringing was untraditional to say the least - trained to be an operative at the Richter school, she now works for Neil MacBain. Cooper has just returned from a stint in Europe and together they go undercover in a high school to uncover a human trafficking ring. The story is fast paced and sucks you in!!!

The beautiful part of this book is you can read it as a standalone and enjoy every minute. As much as I love a good and steamy romance, this book is a little more focused on the overall mystery, but I still loved the romance between Claire and Cooper (and yes there is some steam). It was so hard to put down, I snuck my iPad to work and read in between waiting for files to open (shhh - keep that between us). On the other hand, if you've read the Weekday Brides series or Sasha's book, Say It Again, you will be giddy that Claire finally gets her HEA and we get a series including many beloved favorites.

I discovered Catherine Bybee a few years ago and I can't recommend her books enough. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.

Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

This is the first book in a new series, but reunites readers with some characters from the Wives Club series. Don’t worry, you don’t have to have read that series to enjoy this book!

Claire is a young operative for MacBain when she first meets Cooper. Cooper had feelings but was concerned about the age difference, and Neil, the owner of Mac Bain, warned Cooper off and sent him on a prolonged assignment in Europe. Now Cooper is back, Claire is older and so the age isn’t an issue, and the sparks fly.

Claire and Cooper are paired on an assignment in a high school to find out who is responsible for a recent disappearance. They try to hide their attraction but it catches the attention of another “teacher”, Eastman, at the school who starts following Claire and planting a bug at her decoy house.

There is plenty of action, mystery and excitement in this book, highly recommend!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I'm excited about this series. Claire was a memorable character from one of Catherine Bybee's books and I could hardly wait to read her story. This story pulled me in from the first page and kept me hooked until the last. I loved learning more about the team and hope there are stories for more of these characters coming in the future. There is an instant camaraderie among the members of the team. It is a gift of this author. Each series has characters with strong relationships and it makes it so easy to get immersed in the story.

I wasn't disappointed with Claire's story. She's a unique character and I would love to be her friend. As for Cooper, I've got a crush on him. He and Claire were a perfect fit. I really didn't want this story to end. I was kept guessing until the end. I'm hoping the next book in the series comes quickly. I want more!!!! I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

4 1/2 Stars for this suspenseful romance!

I just loved Claire ... she's a smart cookie who had the capabilities to protect herself, but she also had a quick sarcastic attitude. And Cooper didn't give up easily on the things that mattered to him most. This is a suspenseful story about human trafficking and trying to figure out not only who the bad guys are, but also who the good guys are, This is one of those books that goes into such detail that you really have to keep track of what is what and who is who ... sometimes I got a little lost, but I would eventually figure it out. Even though this is the first book in the series and I was able to follow along, I feel like I was missing something with Claire and Jax's upbringing ... only to find out that this series is a spin-off of the First Wives series and that is where you find their back story. Oh yeah ... how could I forget that Cooper and Claire's romance is a very slow burn!

Cooper had a thing for Claire from the moment he met her but she was too young, so he asked to be transferred overseas to MacBain Security's London office. Six years later Cooper is back and his feelings haven't changed for Claire one little bit ... only now she's a grown woman who can make up her own mind. Claire, Cooper and Jax go undercover in a couple of high schools to figure out how and who are taking students (mostly female).

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

I love just about everything that Catherine Bybee writes and this is no exception.
Changing the Rules brings in characters from her First Wives Series. While it can be read alone., it is always helpful to have the background information.

The book had me hooked from the very. beginning. Bybee brings up a topic that is a little bit taboo, in society and one that you really do not want to hear about in the news, but know that it goes on and that is child sex trafficking.. Neils, team goes undercover at a high school in an effort to catch those in charge of running the organization.. The closer they get the more questions they have The book is engaging and keeps you engrossed from the very start. In classic Bybee fashion, there is sexual tension between two members of the team Cooper and Claire. You really want these two to figure it out and have a happy ever after.

I received an ARC for my honest review of this book.

4 star review of Changing The Rules (Richter #1) by Catherine Bybee

This is more a suspense story with a little romance thrown in which surprised me as I am used to more of a romance story from Ms. Bybee. Claire Kelly works for MacBain Security and Solutions and her only week spot is Cooper Lockman.

Cooper and Claire have history and used to work together. Now he has returned and the attraction and chemistry between them is just as intense as it used to be.

Now they are working undercover at a high school trying to bring down a prostitution ring that is targeting young high school students. As the danger increases, they will put their lives on the line.
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense and was drawn in to the drama. The characters were strong and easy to relate to and the story well written.

I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.

Until the night of the charity auction, Claire Kelly had not seen Cooper Lockman for six years. Shocked that he is back in town, she finds out they have been assigned to work a case for their employer, MacBain Security and Solutions. A high school has been targeted by traffickers who lure young girls into prostitution. Although the police have been working the case, they need someone on the inside. Claire looks young enough to be a student “with an attitude” while Cooper is hired as a coach. Cooper has tried to ignore the feelings he has for Claire, but working close together has changed his rules about them as a couple. When Claire’s life is in danger, will Cooper and the team be able to save her in time? Reminded me of a modern version of the television show “21 Jump Street”. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Wow, what a ride this book was.
Changing the Rules by C. Bybee, published by Montlake, is the first book in the Richter Series. This is a stand-alone and tells Cooper and Claire's story.
Both are working for a security company, gets assigned to a tough case. Annn dthey share a past. A past where she crushed on him, he thought of her as too young, you get the picture.
CtR is a story thaat had me from chapter one. It's one of these stories you know will not let go and stay with you.
CtR is an emotional, heart-wrenching read, a aslow burn - fast paced at the same time, packed with action and drama, gave me all the feels.
A great read, can't wait what happens next story, 5 stars.

I have read other Catherine bybee books but never with the suspense this one had! Not only do we see the relationship between Claire and cooper develop, we see some suspense with human trafficking.

The team of Neil’s private investigators have been asked to help detectivewarrenfindthecsuse of teenage high school girls being pulled into the human trafficking ring ..,.,


This story has twists and turns, romance with some natural heat between both main characters.... will they stop the bad guy and stop fighting the pull Claire and cooper have for over another?

3.5 Had To Wait Stars
Changing the Rules (Richter #1) by Catherine Bybee is the first entry to her new series. She has taken the rescued Claire and has her as a Kick-Ass Security operative. The love interest is a man who made sure he left her six years ago...due to the feelings he had for her. There is six years difference between them and when she was 18, the man felt it was too much.

Now the time has passed and they are thrown together to break up a prostitution ring with her as a student and him as her coach. This is a strong entry and beginning of the series.

If I am in the mood for romance and suspense then Catherine Bybee. This is a spin off series from the Weekday Brides series and the First Wives series. This book is the first in the new Richter series. In this book we get more Neil from the Weekday bride series and his crew which includes Cooper. We also get more Sasha and that includes Claire and Jazz whom we meet from Sasha's story. In Changing the Rule we get Claire and Cooper's story.

This story was great because we get more of Neil's group and how they all work together. Claire and Cooper have to work together undercover and this is where Cooper can finally show his feelings for Claire.

The chemistry between the two was great and the story get you reeled in from the beginning.

Liked the story and can't wait for more.

3.5 stars

I was super excited to see the first in this series was going to be about Claire. She was in Say It Again, book 5 of the First Wives series. Watching her as she used her abilities to solve a human trafficking case kept me engaged throughout the story. I loved how this author placed these characters into a setup that is so far out of the expected.

Cooper really had me falling for him. He had feelings for Claire back in the day but left her for her own good. When I realized just how much he still felt for her, I quickly cheered him on. This doesn’t have a lot of romance included but everything that involved Cooper’s feelings for Claire was a winner in my opinion.

This has a lot of sleuthing, down and dirty detective work. I was expecting more of the shoot ‘em up or blow them up variety or mystery solving. Afterall, these characters are students from Richter which is where kids go to learn how to shoot ‘em up and blow ‘em up. Nevertheless, I was unable to figure out who the bad guy was and loved the way this all came together in the end.

This is a lengthy read with lots of great characters, plenty of action and drama wrapped in the mystery, and enough steam to make the romance interesting.

BOOK REVIEW: Changing the Rules by @catherinebybee

4.5 stars

TW: Sex trafficking, human trafficking, dirty cops, talk of violence, rape, murder and date rape drugs.

Smut Scale: 2/5 (Only one scene but well written)

WOW, this blew my socks off! I thought I was getting a romance with a side order of private investigation but what I got was an incredibly unique and gripping story about sex trafficking in High Schools, plus awesome private investigators and a side order of romance!

The characters were awesome. Having two of the three main characters and private investigators being female was also really refreshing. Claire, the lead female was a breath of fresh air. An absolute kick ass female who is incredibly clever, hard working and loyal, plus she never apologises for who she is. She is an fantastic lead and she definitely made this book and I really routed for her! The other lead and love interest Cooper played a great role as well and I loved him from the start. All the side characters played interesting, vital roles and held up the storyline well.

The story was gripping, fast paced and very interesting. Although there is some sensitive content at times, it was very well written and done with care and attention. I couldn't put it down and was filled with adrenaline towards the end!
There is one sexy scene which was well written and suited the book by not being too heavy but definitely a little smutty!

Overall, a fantastic read that I highly recommend! A pleasant surprise and I cannot wait for the next book!

Please note that I was #gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the first in a new series. Claire Kelly works for McBain Security and Solutions. She is twenty-four and eager for more action. I liked learning about her backstory as an orphan from a boarding school for assassins.

When the firm takes a case about sex trafficking in local public and private high schools, Claire and her best friend and fellow agent Jax are chosen to go undercover as high school students. Cooper is chosen to go undercover as a substitute auto mechanics teacher and track coach.

Cooper is just back from Europe. He left six years earlier because he felt he was too old to be romantically interested in Claire. Also, his boss Neil McBain who thinks of himself as a father figure for Claire encouraged the move. They both felt Claire needed some time to finish growing up. Claire didn't agree. She was disappointed that her friend Cooper was suddenly gone.

The case immediately got complicated since there were undercover cops on the scene too who were unknown to McBain and who might be dirty cops. Claire quickly found her way into the crowds she needed to infiltrate and befriended young girls who were potential victims of the scam. She also developed her persona as a smart-mouthed rebel with a talent for track. There are lots of suspicious characters in this one. There are a variety of teachers who might or might not have parts in the sex trafficking. There are students and former students who also behave is suspicious manners.

Cooper and Claire get closer as they work to investigate this trafficking case and as they overcome their miscommunications. There was a lot of tension because they needed to keep their relationship secret or ruin their covers as student and teacher.

I enjoyed the story even though it began by introducing quite a large number of characters who will presumably have larger roles in future books in this seriesbut who made me want to make a list of each one in order to keep track of them. I also had the feeling that some of the characters had fuller stories told in other books by the author which was confirmed by the author's afterward. I enjoyed the story more once the book began to focus on the characters who had large roles in this story.

In Changing the Rules (Richter #1) by Catherine Bybee, When Claire Kelly joined Neil MacBain's security team in the US, she brought with her a whole lot of cynicism and a toolbox full of spy-worthy skills thanks to her time at Richter–a private military school in Europe. Even though it wasn't the best place to grow up, it gave Claire advantages she can use on her assignments. Especially this newest one. Infiltrating a local high school to take down a prostitution ring is going to take all of her focus, and that of the team, to solve the case safely. When a friend from the past, Cooper Lockman reappears in time to go undercover with her, Claire knows he's a distraction, thanks to their obvious chemistry. Which could mean dangerous things–for their case and their hearts.

Cooper is glad to be back in the US after a six year stint overseas working for MacBain's international clients. It was good to get some time away from his attraction to Claire, but he realizes it didn't change a thing once they are back in each other's orbit. Cooper's feelings for her are still every bit as strong today. And although seeing Claire in action while she poses as a high school student awes him with her ability, he knows it puts her in danger. Something that weighs heavy on his mind. Keeping them both out of harm's way while busting up the trafficking ring is his goal. But when things become even more complicated with every new thread they unravel, Cooper knows success will be a hard-won victory this time.

When it comes to writing contemporary romance with an edge of suspense, Catherine Bybee can do no wrong. Changing the Rules was an intense but fun novel where ancillary cast members from previous series found it was finally their turn to shine.

It was like visiting old friends, picking up Changing the Rules and getting a glimpse at the characters in this new spinoff. The story is mainly centered around Neil MacBain's team, specifically Claire and Cooper who we've seen before, but never quite as in depth as we did here. This jumps ahead about 6 years from when Claire joined Neil's team after leaving Richter. I will caution that you can read this as a standalone but I really think you'll get more out of it if you've at least read Sasha's book: Say It Again (First Wives #5). That set the stage for Claire's backstory and for her moving to the US, putting her skills learned at Richter into real world applications working assignments for Neil.

That's pretty much where this began, with Claire on assignment and with good guy Cooper back in the States to work on a human trafficking case with the rest of the crew. I really loved Cooper and Claire together. Theirs was a slow burn of a romance. But I thought it felt right, considering they were friends first–even with undeniable chemistry pulling at them. They had a nice rapport already and liked to flirt and tease, so their conversations kept me thoroughly entertained. And it was interesting to see how their bond deepened as Claire and Cooper were undercover at a local high school. It brought out parts of their personalities that I think surprised them. It showed the compassionate side of Cooper, helping students and becoming a mentor of sorts, which went a long way to help Claire–who had major trust issues–see that Cooper was a good bet romantically.

I did have to chuckle a bit that Claire was almost like Sasha's mini-me. (lol) Claire was definitely her own person, but she used similar snarky comebacks and had a skill set that will rival Sasha's with some more assignments under her belt. I loved any scene in which the two of them were together. And when Claire's best friend–and fellow former Richter student–Jax was with them? Pure awesomeness. I have a feeling that Jax will eventually be getting her own book too… *fingers crossed*

Changing the Rules was an exciting beginning to the Richter series, which is already proving to be fast-paced and full of heart. I think readers will enjoy every page Catherine Bybee painstakingly created and will be on the edge of their seats to see what is next.

Changing the Rules is officially the first book in the series - but it’s really more a spin-off from the last series and especially the book Say It Again. While you could start here, I recommend reading that one first.

In Changing the Rules, Claire is going undercover as a high school student to investigate a sex trafficking ring suspected in the area. She’s also reunited with Cooper for the first time in 6 years as he is also undercover as a teacher/track coach.

Much like with Say It Again - I think this book will appeal to Alias fans, especially if you’re also here for the romance.

Thank you to Brilliance Audio, the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading and listening copies.