This book was fine for what it was. Extremely mediocre, simplistic, predictable story. It's probably more my fault for choosing it. I like things with more substance, deeper, more unique. If you're looking for an easy, simple, basic read, this will be fine.

Thank you for the opportunity of an advanced copy, however despite the cover and the synopsis making it look like an attractive read I just could not get into it.

I really enjoyed this book! Salena was such an independent woman who owns her sexuality and wants to make her own way. She has struggled with her strict Italian Catholic and overbearing parents and is finally making her life her own.

Ryan is making his own way, also, not following in the family business and is instantly drawn to Salena. I loved the development of their relationship and was on pins and needles waiting for all to be revealed. I'm so thrilled Ryan was the guy I thought he was and there was no third act breakup.

All the books in this series leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Fans of this series will be very satisfied with Bybee's latest installment. Salena and Ryan's story is a feel good read and gives fans of the series an update on many of their favorite characters and leaves you wanting more from her and this excellent series.

I fell in love with the cover but i couldn't care for the characters that I found a bit on the spoiler-child side.
Not my cup of tea
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Dead and Buried is a good book with memorable characters. While not my favorite book I know many people are going to really enjoy this one.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

this is the fourth book in a series but can be read as a standalone. really enjoyed the story, i am going to read the other books in the series. highly recommend.

A different kind of love story. Salena and Ryan meet at Ryan's sisters wedding. Ryan is floored when he gets his first glimpse of her. Salena is interested but not for the long haul. This book is the fourth in the D"Angelo series by Catherine Bybee. I feel it could be a stand alone as this is the first book I read in the series and I did not feel as I was missing anything. Good reading and I was rooting for Salena and Ryan.

This is Selena and Ryan’s story. I loved the relationships between the characters, Altho her parents need to take a step back. This is a story about a family, their relationships and becoming independent. This is a fun read. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Thank you net galley and publisher. I found this book a little harder to stay interested in compared to the other books in this series. I enjoyed the characters and storylines in the other previous 3 books a little more. I’ve read every book by Catherine Bybee and I love the family and friendship communities she creates in her books.

SOLID 4 stars.

Okay first off, this book is SO relatable. The conversations between friends, family, and lovers felt so real and natural. This is a story about a woman learning to love, accept and value herself and others. Strangers to lovers, found family, witty banter, and overall feel goods!

The start of the book with the dedication, made me feel at home- “ This is for every strong, independent woman out there willing to take a chance on themselves.” I am that woman. I knew this would be relatable!

“No dishes, toasters . . . or even bath towels were on her list of personal belongings.” -Every young woman moving out!!

“You can’t lie to a best friend. They know you too well.” This is so true!

There were some amazing lines-

“ Brynn was smiling, like a cat with a mouse in its jaw, proud of its kill.” To me, this conveyed emotion so well, we all knew exactly what the author was trying to say when she wrote this sentence. It’s genius!

“ A fact they well knew but decidedly ignored. Salena’s nephew was born five months after Daniella’s marriage, premature, at seven pounds three ounces.” I laughed out loud at this one!! I married a catholic boy, and I can tell you his parents would have felt the same way!

I felt like this book was a page turner, the story never went cold, and constantly had you prying your eyes open at night to keep reading. I loved that it felt super relatable and allowed the reader to grow as the book progressed. Accept who you are. Own it. “Keep it classy, keep it clean”.

Great read!

"The Whole Time" promises an engaging and steamy romance set against the backdrop of a unique and intriguing premise. The story introduces readers to Salena Barone, a fiercely independent woman working at a restaurant and determined to make her own way in the world without the need for a husband. Her decision to take on a mysterious side hustle sets the stage for an enticing plot filled with secrets and surprises.

The entry of Ryan, a tattooed biker from the wealthy Rutledge wine family, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. His disinterest in the traditional trappings of wealth and commitment makes him a compelling character, and his instant attraction to Salena sparks the promise of a sizzling and passionate romance.

The clash between Salena's secret life and her growing feelings for Ryan creates an intriguing tension that is sure to captivate readers. The storyline appears to be rich with character development and emotional depth, as both protagonists grapple with their own desires and the secrets they are keeping.

The book's exploration of themes such as independence, family expectations, and the pursuit of happiness adds depth and relevance to the romance. It seems to challenge traditional notions of love and commitment, making it a refreshing addition to the contemporary romance genre.

Readers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as they follow Salena and Ryan's journey from friends with benefits to something more. The chemistry between the characters is likely to sizzle on the pages, making for steamy and passionate romantic encounters.

Overall, "The Whole Time" appears to be a compelling and alluring romance novel that combines a captivating premise with well-drawn characters and a healthy dose of secrets and sensuality. Fans of contemporary romance are in for an enticing and entertaining read that challenges conventions and celebrates independence and desire.

Reading a book by Catherine Bybee is like meeting up with a good friend.
The story is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. A very different story about family traditions. Standing on your own financial feet in the internet era and perceptions. Jealousy, and nastiness will always be part of human nature. Unfortunately this is true in this story.
Follow the rollercoaster that is the story.

Absolutely loved Selena and Ryan’s story. Selena is a strong minded woman. She wants to make ends meet by her own hard work. Ryan comes from a wealthy vineyard owners. He works buying & selling commercial property. He wants to make it on his own. They clash, work off one another and overcome some obstacles. I look forward to reading future books by Ms Bybee.

Catherine Bybee hits the culmination of the series out of the park. Always touching on taboo-esque subjects that affect the common folk. Love the attention to family and that it takes more than blood to make one. If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend you seek it out and binge read. All HEA and reality driven. Enjoy!

Salena Barone has moved out against her parents’ wishes. She is living above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works. One of her first weekends of being independent is spent at a wedding where her car breaks down as she arrives and she catches the eye of the bride’s brother Ryan. Ryan has been happy living the single life and has no interest in a long term relationship. They both enter the relationship as friends with benefits but it quickly moves to a different level. Salena is left worrying about how Ryan will react to her secret and will their new bond be enough to overcome it.
Catherine Bybee continues to provide the perfect escape. I missed the first D’Angelos books but it was not difficult to follow who was who and where everyone fit it the family. It was the perfect curl up on the back porch weekend read. Now time to back track and read the first D’Angelos books.
Thanks to NetGalley, Catherine Bybee and Montlake Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Selena Barone moves out of her parents place and into the apartment above the restaurant she manages. Her parents are not happy about it. Always the wild child Salena now needs her own space but living above the D’Angelos’ restaurant comes with its own Italian family restrictions.
Ryan Routledge is the black sheep of a wealthy family, refusing a place in the family wine business he too prefers to go it alone.
When Selena and Ryan meet sparks fly and soon their friends with benefits pact starts to change into a relationship. But Selena is keeping a secret from everybody and it could bring everything tumbling down.

Catherine Bybee has the knack of writing good likeable characters. She can easily portray the difference between good people, the wild but good and the total bitches. I was so invested in the story I felt myself getting anxious about the reveal of the secret and couldn’t see a good outcome.
This book has a modern theme and is non judgemental in lifestyle and the choices people make. (It does have a HEA).
This is book 4 in the D’Angelos’ series but can be read as a standalone novel.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Salena is excited to be moving into her own place. After awhile she realizes its not all fun and games. She meets Ryan who she likes. I enjoyed the different characters in this book.

I have had the privilege of reading all of the books in this series and the D’Angelos are the type of family you just can’t get enough of. While all of the books have been awesome, I couldn’t put this one down.

Selena isn’t a D’Angelo by blood, but she is the manager of their restaurant and moves into the family apartment upstairs. Selena is strong willed, sexy, and single. Somewhere along the way she let herself believe that she wasn’t worthy of true love. That all changes when she meets Ryan (Emma’s brother) at Emma and Gio’s wedding.

Wildly entertaining. This is Salenas story of falling for Ryan, Emma's brother. They meet at Emma's wedding. It's sweetly romantic and funny. The big Italian family surrounding her (and now them)
are both quirky and loving. They are a big part of the story.
I loved it all.