My big fat Italian family....

Salena never does what is expected of her...
Her Italian family, restuarant included, has their nose in her business, except for the one secret she is trying to keep from everyone.

Ryan is the entitled rich boy she's having fun with benefits with.
A large, over involved family, a secret and a new beau.
Fun read.

I found Catherine Bybee with the previous book in this series (Beginning of Forever June 2023) and opened this one with high anticipation. This is actually the fourth in the D’Angelos series. The D’Angelos family runs an Italian restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy. The previous books have focused on romances for the D’Angelos siblings. This one begins with the wedding of the previous couple. At the wedding the brother of the bride is flirting and attracted to a very close family friend of the D’Angelos. She is also their new manager and has moved into a small apartment above the workplace.

Salena Barone has finally moved out of her traditional Catholic Italian parents home. When her dilapidated car breaks down she needs money faster than she can make it at the restaurant. A friend from her gym helps her with a side gig. She is very attracted to Ryan Rutledge. He isn’t part of his family wine business but enjoys his life and the success he has in commercial real estate.

Salena has a past and owns it. She is known for being the hook-up girl and hasn’t been into relationships. Ryan is similar (but of course that isn’t a stigma for him). So a relationship is new for both. I like that the book takes small time jumps to show they are getting to know each other over months and not days. Bybee has a light and easy way of writing. The story flows smoothly with conversations and just the right amount of steaminess. I think the only surprise to me is how late the side gig comes to the attention of others. The D’Angelos are an Italian family that is welcoming and a bit in each other's business but always with love and not judgment. Half the fun of the series is the continued interaction with the couples who’ve paired up in the previous books. I’m not sure if this is the end of the series but I will look for more from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, Ryan and Selena were great characters with a fantastic "cast" of secondary characters. Their story was enhanced with some drama but the HEA was definitely worth waiting for!

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 is a friends to lovers which screams femme fatale but really Sloane is a softie and Ryan is determined to be the best parts of her life.

- ~ -

Sloane has just moved into that one apartment above the D'Angelos, finally free to be independent.
But savings are low and costs high, so she takes up a second job as a pole dancer on an infamous site.
And despite the growing relationship between her and Ryan, secrets might just be destructive but as they say truth has the habit of getting out somehow anyway.

- ~ -

Sloane was such a softie despite her reluctance to show her sensitivity. And Ryan was simply perfect for her. He handled the crazy situations with respect and love.

- ~ -

Overall: An amazing addition to an already perfect series and I certainly hope there's more to come.

3.86 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Amazing. There’s something about the worlds and characters Catherine Bybee creates that just suck you and hold you in a big hug.

I loved being back with the D’Angelos and getting best friend Salene’s story. She was easy to empathise with as she was trying to break free from her parents and also the traditional restraints they placed on her just because she is a female. Seeing her take control of her life and not just let Ryan help her out, which would have been the easy thing to do was empowering. But also the way the that Ryan stands by her and accepts she needs to do things herself and have her own success was really nice. When her big secret came out he wasn’t scared off, he wasn’t all caveman, he listened to her and understood her reasons and then supported her. Simply beautiful.

I can’t wait to see what Bybee comes out with next, but you can be sure I’ll be reading it.

The heroine is insecure, sassy, sexy, and adventurous. Salena has finally had a bit of escape from her oppressive italian parents by moving into an apartment above the Italian restaurant where the family there keep an eye on all her comings and goings. But she still manages an affair with a delightful hero, Ryan, who falls for her right away. But he’s clever enough to realize how skittish she is. I like that Salena is so independent and won’t accept any help from anyone as she muddles through her sorry economic state. She finds a rather scandalous way to make money and you know that it is all going to come out in the end and cause problems, but it gets resolved rather nicely.

I hadn’t read the earlier stories in this series so it took me a while to keep track of all the previous couples and their relationships. But I still enjoyed the story.

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.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Selena is managing the restaurant business that’s owned by her best friend Chloe’s family, in the heart of San Diego’s Italian district. She’s desperate to move into the apartment above the restaurant, even if it goes against her parents’ wishes. When she meets Ryan at Chloe’s brother’s wedding to his sister, the attraction is instant. But will she be able to let herself into a relationship with the tattooed biker guy with the big heart?

𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I adore Catherine Bybee’s straightforward, honest writing. In this fourth book in the D’Angelo family series, Selena is like an honorary sibling in the large and caring family, but she has her own issues. Finances, keeping her hobbies secret from her family and friends, and getting up to mischief with Ryan. I was expecting a bad-boy character in Ryan, but he turned out to be a deceptively upstanding guy, supportive and caring for Selena, seeing right through her issues.

Read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub Date 14 Nov 2023

Book 4 in The D'Angelos series is a wonderful read.
Take one Italian gal who wants her independence from her strict Italian parents who do not want her to end up as her older sister did. So she moves out and into the apartment left vacant by the last D'Angelo to get married and she has that freedom, or does she as the D'Angelos are there to watch over her too. But when she meets up with Ryan Rutledge at a wedding and this handsome tattooed gives her some sexy vibes and the two start to bring out that wild side in each other, but nether of them wanted commitment.. But both harbor secrets and could Selena's cause the beginning of the end when her family, friends and the man she has come to love find out what her side hustle is...

I have loved Selena Barone's character from book one in this series. She is feisty and flirty and she knows what she want and goes after it. All while trying to be independent in her Italian family values. Ryan was just what Selena needed in her life. A sexy, caring but daring guy to help tame her a bit, but let her run free at the same time.
I love the that the D'Angelos treat her and Ryan as family and welcome then always into their home. That there is always room for one more at the dinner table.

This book will give you all the feels you need in a book that brings together family, friendships and most of all love with a HEA. Just what Catherine Bybee knows how to give her readers what they love about her books.
Thank you to publisher and author for giving me an ARC, provided by Netgalley, of this book for my honest review.

Catherine Bybee has done it again with the final installment of the D'Angelo series, "The Whole Time," delivering a riveting and emotionally charged story that will leave you with a smile. Bybee is giving us Salena and Ryan’s story,

Bybee's writing style is as engaging as ever, blending humor, emotional depth, and suspense in just the right proportions. Her dialogue is snappy, and her ability to create vivid, atmospheric settings transports readers into the world of the D'Angelo family. It's clear that Bybee has a deep affection for these characters, and it shines through in her storytelling. It makes me want to visit Italy even more.


In summary, "The Whole Time" is a conclusion to a series that has captured the hearts of many. Catherine Bybee's writing is what I have come to expect. I almost feel like I am there with the characters If you've been a fan of the D'Angelo series, this fourth and final book is a must-read, and if you haven't I recommend that you start at the beginning. You will be happy that you did. I have received an ARC for my honest review of this book!

I couldn’t put this book down. I really enjoyed the D’Angelo series. Liked reading more about pole dancing. What a fun twist.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This book is for those looking for a bad boy, bad girl romance. Not really my type of story but I appreciate the author’s romance and loved the ending.

Ryan was truly in love and knew that when you love someone you work through all the issues and when Salena wasn’t completely honest with him he knew forgiveness and how to love the whole person regardless of mistakes.

Another D’Angelo masterpiece

The Whole Time is another wonderful addition to the D’Angelo’s series. Salena has been friends with Chloe D’Angelo for most of her life. She has overbearing parents who use guilt like hand soap, to control her life. But she is and will always be her own person. At Chloe’s brother’s wedding, she meets Ryan Rutledge, the bride’s brother. Ryan has been doing whatever he can to distance himself from his father and their successful wine business. They are similar in their outlook on life… no commitments, just a good time.

I love the way Catherine Bybee just sucks you into a story. You open the book knowing it will be good and then BAM! There’s no putting the book down. Right from the beginning I was rooting for Salena and Ryan. They both have family issues to overcome and although they didn’t always address them head-on (who would?), they were not shy about standing up for themselves. I really like that. Ms. Bybee writes her characters, not to be perfect, but they have to work through their choices and those consequences. Even when they make mistakes, they need to be the ones to correct them. I love that even though her women are strong and capable, they are not flawless. Salena realizes that she needs to grow up and take control and responsibility for her own life. I enjoyed the way Ryan fell first for her and did whatever he could to be around her, be there for her as a constant, and crawl under her skin. The has been one of my favorite Catherine Bybee series! I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Steamy, delightful, and romantic!

The Whole Time is a passionate, hopeful tale that transports you to San Diego and into the lives of both the hardworking Salena Barone, who is determined to do whatever it takes to make ends meet and live on her own, even if it means doing a side gig that not everyone would understand or approve of, and the successful bad boy Ryan Rutledge who is more than content with casual dating and never actually falling in love.

The writing is smooth and light. The characters are charming, independent, and supportive. And the plot is a heartfelt, flirty blend of tricky situations, tender moments, new beginnings, self-discovery, friendship, family, happiness, romance, and love.

Overall, The Whole Time is a sweet, heartwarming, fantastic addition to the D’Angelos series by Bybee, complete with characters I couldn’t help but root for and a swoon-worthy ending that left me smitten, satisfied and hopeful that there’s still more to come!

Salena and Ryan meet at a wedding and immediately hit it off, Selena is not a relationship girl but is happy to be a bit more than friends with Ryan. Things start out quite slowly between them, which is not what she is used too, but she finds that’s she likes it. He really likes her, but knows he needs to tread carefully or she will bolt. I loved how their relationship seemed so effortless, they just seemed to fit together so well. Ryan was very understanding and Selena opened herself up for the first time. Selena was very feisty, independent, kind and loving. Ryan was thoughtful, successful, just as independent as Selena and knew what he wanted. Selena has a side business which no one knows about and when it is discovered causes a bit of a commotion, but to be honest not as big as I expected. For a traditional Catholic family and friends they were very understanding. This was a nice, sweet story with only a little bit of heat.

The Whole Time picks up with Emma and Gio’s wedding where Salena is the strong willed friend of the D’Angelo family, nicknamed “Trouble” by the guys, she makes an impression on Ryan, Emma’s brother and they hit it off, originally as friends but their attraction is immediate.

A low key predictable romance that Bybee fans will enjoy. I thought this story was a bit weaker than the three before it, I guess I wanted higher stakes for the plot but I still enjoyed the characters. Salena’s independence and drive were a highlight but Franny D’Angelo is the true star of the show, I loved her comedic genius!

The book wraps up on a happy ending and I’m curious to know if we’ll see more in this series.

3⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC to review.

5 Stars for this laugh-out-loud romance!

I love this series! Even though Salena isn't a D'Angelo, they all think of her as family. I love Salena's spunk ... she's brave enough to go against her Italian Catholic culture by not getting married to move out of her parent's home. To say the least. she has a bit of a wild side and I think that's why she's drawn to Ryan with his motorcycle and tattoos. I love how Ryan doesn't give up on trying to get to know Salena. And then there's Franny ... she is the best! This nine year old is inquisitive and her comments had me rolling on the floor laughing. This is a great addition to the series ... and I can't wait for Ms. Bybee's next book!

Salena works at the D'Angelos's restaurant as their Manager. She moves out of her family's strict Italian Catholic home to the top floor of the restaurant ... above the D'Angelo family members. She still has limitations there, but at least her parents can't see her every move. When she goes to Gio and Emma's wedding at Emma's family vineyard, she meets Emma's brother Ryan. She can feel the sparks between them, but she doesn't want to be tied down when she just got a little bit of freedom. Ryan wants nothing to do with his family's winery, but he stays around to look out for his mother and sister as his father is mostly at their place in Napa Valley. But now that Gio is marrying his sister and they are going to be living in the area, Ryan feels that maybe now he can do his own thing ... especially after meeting the beautiful and vivacious Salena.

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley.

The Whole Time is the fourth book in The D'Angelos series and this series just continues to deliver engaging and enjoyable stories!

Salena Barone craves independence from her overprotective Italian parents. Like any good Italians, they want her to live at home until she is married, but she is ready to spread her wings and she isn't even sure that marriage is the right thing for her. She works as the manager at D'Angelo's restaurant and while she doesn't make tons of money, she still wants to strike out on her own and try to make things work. Things are okay until she suddenly finds herself struggling and needing to make a big purchase. One of her friends makes a suggestion about a way to make some additional money, but it's not something that the people in her life will thing is a great idea if they find out and she knows it, but she knows she doesn't have a whole lot of choice.

Ryan Rutledge is the youngest of the Rutledge siblings and the one that has never wanted anything to do with the wine business. He rides a motorcycle, has tattoos and prefers to focus on his own passions instead of those of his father. Ryan has never been one to see the white picket fence and a family given the way his own childhood played out.

When Salena and Ryan meet at a wedding, the sparks fly immediately. While neither one of them are looking for anything serious, it's impossible to deny the connection they have. They both have secrets, not to mention many miles between them, but can these two people bring out something out of the other that no one else has been able to?

I loved both Salena and Ryan. They were both such great characters. Salena was such a strong woman who knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to stand up to her parents even though she knew there would be some consequences. As for Ryan, he was the kind of guy that any woman would want because he wasn't afraid to prove why he wanted to be around. He truly cared and wasn't afraid to show it. Plus, we got to spend time with the rest of the D'Angelo's crew, which is always enjoyable!

This was another awesome addition to this series!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

"The Whole Time" by Catherine Bybee is a captivating addition to the D'Angelos series, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it. This contemporary romance novel introduces us to Salena Barone, a strong-willed dancer who's determined to live life on her own terms. She's left her family behind and works as a manager above the D'Angelos' restaurant, without any intentions of settling down with a husband. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and Salena soon finds herself in need of extra cash. Her decision to take on a secretive side hustle sets the stage for an engaging and suspenseful story.

Ryan, the tattooed biker from the wealthy Rutledge wine family, adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The instant attraction between Salena and Ryan at a Rutledge-D'Angelo wedding sparks a friendship with benefits that gradually develops into something deeper. The book is a delightful blend of sizzling chemistry, family dynamics, and personal growth.

Catherine Bybee's writing style is impeccable, and her characters are both relatable and endearing. I found myself rooting for Salena and Ryan as they navigated the challenges and secrets that threatened their budding relationship. The storyline is filled with surprises, and it kept me eagerly turning the pages.

What sets "The Whole Time" apart is the authenticity of the characters and their struggles. Salena's determination to maintain her independence and Ryan's desire to live life on his own terms make them easy to connect with. The story beautifully explores the theme of finding love when you least expect it.

As a fan of the series, I was delighted to see familiar faces from previous books, but "The Whole Time" can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel. Catherine Bybee skillfully weaves these characters into the narrative without overwhelming newcomers to the series.

In conclusion, "The Whole Time" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a touch of suspense. It's a story of love, independence, and the surprises life throws our way, and it left me thoroughly satisfied. Catherine Bybee has once again proven herself as a master of the genre, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

I read the first book in this series and didn't realise I had missed books 2 & 3 but having said that I still enjoyed this one and didn't feel I was missing anything (although I would like to find books 2 & 3 now and read them all in order).

A book that is easy to read and somewhat predictable but it was a nice read, Salena is a great character that many of us women can relate to. The family, the story, the happy ending is all good, it is a sweet and feel good type of read and is a book to sit down with and enjoy.

Now to find books 2 & 3!

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Honestly not the story I saw coming and not in a bad way…it’s not a predictable story or at least it wasn’t for me. There’s more to Selena’s character than meets the eye…I thought she was just a “good time” girl but she’s so much more than that. Fiercely independent is the best description of Selena. Ryan is every girls dream….thoughtful, romantic, supportive and the list goes on. This was another great addition to this big loveable Italian family.