Another winner!

This book is the second in The Heirs series, and focuses on Max. Max grew up in foster homes after his mother died (at least that's what he was told). He is used to surviving on his own, finding his own way and making do with his life. When two strangers show up at his door claiming to be his half-siblings, he doesn't believe them.

Sarah is a tabloid reporter who has been assigned to track down Max Smith and find out what his relationship is to Aaron Stone, recently dead billionaire. An unexpected meeting puts her into Max's orbit, and discoveries await.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship move from distrust to more. The couples in Ms. Bybee's books are responsible, honest, hardworking individuals who truly care for and support their partners. Really good lessons.

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

<b>Oh I fell hard and fast for Max! He brings the best of book boyfriend club here. He went from being the blue collar worker coming from foster system to being the forgotten heir of a business empire worthy of billions. His alpha personality, his rugged vibes, his sexy possessiveness and protectiveness, his broken sides..everything came together to create an irresistible and unforgettable hero. Sarah's sweet and heartfelt personality with a hidden but strong sassy side made her a perfect contradiction to and a perfect match for Max. The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee is a beautifully written heartfelt and emotional romance that will win you easily.</b>

Maximilian Smith thought it's a joke when his half siblings from a billionaire father appear at his humble home's doorstep. It's a mix of extremely confusing feels for him. He thought his parents are dead, he suffered through the foster system for years and he brought back himself from the edge of getting lost in the system all by his will power. The money didn't really faze him. He has this commanding presence and bossy alpha attitude that didn't depend on his bank status.

Sarah entered his life by pure fate as she was caught snooping around for her story. She may work for a tabloid but she has her own moral standard and honesty. She could have exploited the trust Max showed but she became his support system instead. Max appears to be emotionally unavailable but Sarah got under his skin and deep in his heart. It was pure chaos and mayhem with media circus and corporate games. Sarah was a place of calm and comfort in middle of this. Their chemistry was insane and Max is pretty demanding in bed too! My heart was aching for all the pain he went through and I was amazed how he still turned out to be the best man possible. I love how the family came together and healed so many wounds.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫. Pub Date is November 12.

This reminds me of a cross between a Hallmark movie and (a more saccharine) Dynasty. Second in the series, I haven’t read the first one and had no problem following this and figuring out what happened. Characters are likable with morals, a little drama but I would have liked a little more. Found family, rags to riches. The ending definitely sets up the reader for Book 3. This is a lighter drama than I’m use to, but I found it enjoyable enough. Little spice, quick read, nice distraction from heavier books. Might just be tempted to read Book 1 and continue with the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

I absolutely adore Catherine Bybee’s books! And I’m loving this series so far. And I really hope there is more to come in this world.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee is a contemporary romance that skillfully weaves in profound themes of adoption, foster care, and abandonment. Though light-hearted in tone, the story offers readers a glimpse into how childhood trauma can affect individuals as they grow.

This is the second book in the series and picks up right where the last left off. While avoiding spoilers, I’d suggest reading the series in order for full context. Max, a blue-collar worker, and Sarah, a magazine reporter, are brought together under unique circumstances that draw them closer.

I immensely enjoyed this book! The author’s foreword thoughtfully sets the book's tone, and the theme of found family is truly heartwarming. I also appreciated the inclusion of Alex, Chase, and Piper in the story. I’m especially looking forward to seeing Alex’s story arc unfold in the next book.

Thank you to the author, over the river pr and netgalley for the egalley of this book!

Much like the first book in this series, this had a good storyline.
Again the characters were likable and new additions were interesting. I like the evolving relationship between the half sibling.
The romantic side of the story was slow to start but sweet and not major focus of the book. Look forward to the ext book in this series.
A quick and easy read.
3.5 stars

Bybee is pouring on the angst with the second book in The Heirs series and I loved every single minute! We knew in Chase's book that things were about to get good with the discovery of a secret sibling, but I never expected Max to be so darn fine! He's my favorite so far because there's just something about a rugged working man! The story was intense and Bybee weaved a very believable story and reaction. The plot was well developed with emotion, romance and a sweet happily ever after topping it all off. I can't wait for Alex's story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a family centric plot with the drama of obligation being the starting point as each sibling finds their forever love with lots of sass along the way.

So good! Had all the elements of a feel good story. Instantly connected w the characters and was brought into the story line. Easy read. Pick this one up!

I truly enjoy this series and was so excited to get approved for this 2nd book in the series.
This book picked up from the end of the first book and did not disappoint. We meet the surprise brother, see the announcement and then all that they have to deal with as that comes out. We also get to see the siblings build their relationship and meet another few characters who will be happily welcomed into this family. I love to see that the family is growing and despite their Dad being a terrible person that his kids are building something great from what he left behind.

Thank you again to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read another arc in this series. I loved it.

I love this Series!
Catherine Bybee brings us a series with mystery, romance, and family drama, The Forgotten One, is a wonderful addition to The Heirs series. As a fan of Bybee's books, I found this to be a delightful continuation filled with my favorite characters with the additional of some new ones and a story that keeps you wanting more and more. We are back with Alex, Chase, and Piper as they try to convince the missing heir and their brother, Max, that he is the son of Aaron Stone. Max is thrust into a whirlwind of unexpected wealth and new found family. His transition from ordinary construction worker to a wealthy man is meet with humility and strength. Then he meets Sarah McNielly, a dedicated reporter in the tabloid business who prides herself on uncovering and reporting the truth rather than gossip. Her latest assignment is to investigate the connection between the construction worker, Maximillian Smith, and the late hotel mogul, Aaron Stone. As Sarah has several run ins with Max she soon finds that this assignments has more complications then she could image. However, the chemistry between Max and Sarah is one that neither one of them can deny and it adds an extra layer of tension and excitement. The search for Max's mom and how he ended up as an orphan and not knowing his real family keeps you turning the pages as he searches for answers all while becoming closer to his new family and Sarah. Max and Sarah are both a wonderful addition to The Heirs series and now we need some happiness for Alex. I can't wait to see what Catherine Bybee has in store for her, I know whatever it is it will be AMAZING!

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Feel-good family drama

Max was a regular working man living alone and doing his job with a few groans and curses. Suddenly, he is the heir to an ultra-rich dead man and is worthy of billions. Max isn’t sure what he wants but whatever he decides, the press and business partners will not let him stay low.
Sarah is a rare find in the tabloid industry and writes nothing but truth even if it means skipping deadlines. Turns out, this trait is what her boss wants when he assigns her to find out more about the elusive Maximillian Smith.
For Max, Sarah is a useful person to control the narrative when the truth comes out. For Sarah, Max is a way to retain her job. As the two try to fill gaps in his past, they have to deal with their feelings for each other as well as the increasing pressure from the press.
The story comes mostly in Max and Sarah’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The story seems to continue from the previous book, but I could follow it without issues. While the central plot is resolved, book #3 will neatly tie up the loose ends.
It’s a low-stakes read with many feel-good vibes and works on the premise that good things will happen to good people. I like that there isn’t unwanted drama or angst except for what’s necessary. This may not work for everyone but it suited me just fine.
Romance naturally gets a good share of space. It’s got some steam but less than 2 stars with much detail being left to the reader’s imagination.
This is in equal parts (or more) a family drama. The side characters (Chase, Piper, and Alex) are easy to like. Makes sense since the first book belonged to Chase and Piper. The next should be Alex’s. I’m curious to see who she’ll be paired with.
The dual POV works well to give us both perspectives. While Max sometimes sounds off, he has his reasons and shows good progress as the plot moves ahead. Sarah is a good character and never gives readers a chance to doubt her integrity.
The book starts with a short author’s note and a personal anecdote about foster systems. This is one of the major themes, though it doesn’t overshadow the rest. We get details in bits and pieces, which add depth to the MMC’s arc.
The pacing feels a bit uneven but it is a pretty quick read overall. I could finish it in a couple of sittings, though the page count is around 380. The little bits of humor and sass contribute to the fun levels.

To summarize, The Forgotten One is an entertaining and heartwarming book about finding one’s family and being open to accepting new blessings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Netgalley and I'm so glad I did. I loved reading Max's story. I just love how Catherine Bybee takes a idea and runs with it. Then she creates depth with her story and characters by giving them solid backgrounds and continues to have them grow. I also love that she intertwines previous characters from her past books. It's the best because you already love the characters and you're seeing a glimpse of how much they've grown since the last time you read about them. Jack and Jesse are one of the first books I read by Catherine Bybee, "Not Quite Dating" and one of the reasons I love reading her books. Her books are instant buy for me. My favorite part was in the epilogue at the very end. It was the best! I look forward to reading Alex the story and any other books that Catherine baby rights.

Following on from "All Our Tomorrows" which was released earlier this year, "The Forgotten One" takes off where that story ended.

Chase and Alex have succeeded in finding their half brother - Max, but even if he believed them, which he doesn't, he is not really interested in a public life.

So far the tabloids have not got wind of the story, but it looks like someone has been talking to one of them... Sarah is working for one of the gossip rags and she's asked by her boss to find the story or lose her job. Problem is that Sarah refuses to make things up. She's hoping for a serious career and don't want to write any stories which may stop her from getting a job with one of the proper papers.

Max and Sarah literally bump into each other and after a bit of lies and tension, they work together to control the story, carefully working their way through the many obstacles set in their path.

I liked how Chase, Alex and Max work together, how Max finds his place and how his relationship with Sarah develops. I am looking forward to the final instalment in the series, as there are still loose ends.

Oh my! What a wonderful story! I simply couldn't put this book down until Max told us his story
I was drawn in immediately and loved every minute of it.
Max just didn't realize how blessed and lucky he is.
Lots of wonderful characters that I really enjoyed in getting to know but I think Max will be my favorite.
I love how he handles the things that are thrown at him especially his newfound position in life.
I can't say as I blame him at first though. I can't even imagine coming into all that he has learned wow!
Bybee will be added to my list of favorites. She's awesome.
5 stars from for this heartfelt novel that left me feeling full and satisfied.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Catherine Bybee and Montlake for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3,5 ⭐ - The second book in the Heirs series, it can be read as a standalone alone but I would recommend reading the first book.

This book follows Max, an orphan who finds out he's the son of a late billionaire - and Sarah, a tabloid reporter who must write the latest scoop on the new son of the late billionaire.

Overall this is a light, romantic read with likeable characters. I'm definitely going to check out more books of Ms. Bybee.

5 Stars ... a series that shouldn't be missed!

This author hasn't written a book that I haven't loved ... and this one is no different. If you didn't read the first book in this series "All Our Tomorrows", I would suggest you read it before reading this one. You can just read this one, but you will get so much more out of the story if you do.

I loved Max and Sarah ... they are just so perfect for each other. I loved that Sarah didn't write lies and actually cared that she got the story right. I felt so sorry for Max and way he grew up and he still was a decent guy that worked hard and stayed out of trouble. The banter is very realistic and even though we are talking about very rich people, they were down to earth. This book gave me all the feelings ... I laughed, I cried and I definitely swooned! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Max has been in the foster system since he can remember and aged out at 18. Now he's just a working stiff that keeps to himself. So when a man and 2 women come knocking on his door and tell him he has inherited a fortune ... well, he has a hard time believing it. But when the DNA results prove that he is indeed one of the heirs to the Stone fortune, he decides to see where this goes and get to know his brother and sister. They warned him that the media would hunt him down eventually, but it didn't take near as long as they thought. Even though Sarah works for a gossip magazine, she always confirms her story before she submits it. When she gets handed two names and is told to find out what they have in common, she didn't think she would find the link so quickly and that she would be the first to get the full story. And she certainly didn't realize it would change her life completely.

I received an ARC courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley.

Catherine Bybee, you did it again. I have fallen in love with the family. In book one of the series, The Heirs, we find out that there is a family secret at the reading of the father's last will and testament. That secret's name is Max. He is the forgotten one. His story is sad and compelling at the same time. The story grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you hooked.

The Forgotten One weaves a story between Max and Sarah a "tabloid" reporter to get the dirt on the Stone family. The situations these two get themselves into will keep you laughing and guessing throughout the whole book.

This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book one in the series first.

I received an ARC of the book for my honest opionion.

Loved this book! The Forgotten One, by Catherine Bybee, is book #2 in The Heirs series. Max Smith is an ordinary, working man with no family or close friends. Max’s life changes overnight when he finds out that he has both half-siblings and has inherited 1/3 of a multi-billionaire’s estate. It’s fun to see Max absorbing this information and making decisions about his job and home. On a deeper level, the story also delves into the world of foster care and learning to open your heart to love and trust. Max also meets Sarah, a reporter assigned to uncovering Max’s connection to his new family and finds so much more in their growing romantic relationship.

This is my first series by Catherine Bybee but it will not be my last! Definitely recommend!

A story of family lost and found. Max is shocked to discover he's an heir and that he's got half brothers. But what about his mother? That's where Sara, a reporter comes in. Of course there's a romance brewing between them but the more important story is about family. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARc. A good read.

Max & Sarah ❤️

🏡Max can’t believe that the three strangers who arrived at his suburban home aren’t pranking him. Chase, Alex and Piper tell him that he’s the illegitimate son of a billionaire and he’s Chase and Alex’s half brother they have been searching for.

🗞️Tabloid reporter Sarah is on thin ice. Her editor is threatening to fire her if she can’t find a story to report on a tip off he’s received. The name Max Smith is common, but they have no idea how this person is related to the late Aaron Stone.

💵When Sarah tries to snoop at the late billionaire’s home, the last thing she expects is to run into Max Smith. Can they help each other?

📚I read the previous book in this series, the story of Chase and Piper meeting, and Alex and Chase inheriting from their estranged late father. The first book is excellent, but also lays the groundwork for this beautiful, heartwarming follow up. I wouldn’t suggest reading them as standalone stories. Max is rough around the edges, and he’s had a hard life, abandoned at a young age, moving around in a broken foster system. At his core, he’s smart and resourceful, and I appreciated how, even when he could dismiss Sarah, he sticks around and supports her, and his newly found siblings. Be sure to read the personal story in the introduction from Catherine Bybee, which put a tear in my eye.

Read an eARC copy courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Pub Date 12 Nov 2024