PRAISE FOR CATHERINE BYBEE
WIFE BY WEDNESDAY
“A fun and sizzling romance, great characters that trade verbal spars like fist punches, and the dream of your own royal wedding!”
—Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Stars
“A good holiday, fireside or bedtime story.”
—Manic Reviews, 4½ Stars
“A great story that I hope is the start of a new series.”
—The Romance Studio, 4½ Hearts
MARRIED BY MONDAY
“If I hadn’t already added Ms. Catherine Bybee to my list of favorite authors, after reading this book I would have been compelled to. This is a book nobody should miss, because the magic it contains is awesome.”
—Booked Up Reviews, 5 Stars
“Ms. Bybee writes authentic situations and expresses the good and the bad in such an equal way . . . Keeps the reader on the edge of her seat.”
—Reading Between the Wines, 5 Stars
“Married by Monday was a refreshing read and one I couldn’t possibly put down.”
—The Romance Studio, 4½ Hearts
FIANCÉ BY FRIDAY
“Bybee knows exactly how to keep readers happy . . . A thrilling pursuit and enough passion to stuff in your back pocket to last for the next few lifetimes . . . The hero and heroine come to life with each flip of the page and will linger long after readers cross the finish line.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick (Hot)
“A tale full of danger and sexual tension . . . the intriguing characters add emotional depth, ensuring readers will race to the perfectly fitting finish.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Suspense, survival, and chemistry mix in this scintillating read.”
—Booklist
“Hot romance, a mystery assassin, British royalty, and an alpha Marine . . . this story has it all!”
—Harlequin Junkie
SINGLE BY SATURDAY
“Captures readers’ hearts and keeps them glued to the pages until the fascinating finish . . . romance lovers will feel the sparks fly . . . almost instantaneously.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick
“[A] wonderfully exciting plot, lots of desire, and some sassy attitude thrown in for good measure!”
—Harlequin Junkie
TAKEN BY TUESDAY
“[Bybee] knows exactly how to get bookworms sucked into the perfect storyline; then she casts her spell upon them so they don’t escape until they reach the ‘Holy Cow!’ ending.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick
SEDUCED BY SUNDAY
“You simply can’t miss [this novel]. It contains everything a romance reader loves—clever dialogue, three-dimensional characters, and just the right amount of steam to go with that heartwarming love story.”
—Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author
“Bybee hits the mark . . . providing readers with a smart, sophisticated romance between a spirited heroine and a prim hero . . . Passionate and intelligent characters [are] at the heart of this entertaining read.”
—Publishers Weekly
TREASURED BY THURSDAY
“The Weekday Brides never disappoint and this final installment is by far Bybee’s best work to date.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick
“An exquisitely written and complex story brimming with pride, passion, and pulse-pounding danger . . . Readers will gladly make time to savor this winning finale to a wonderful series.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Bybee concludes her popular Weekday Brides series in a gratifying way with a passionate, troubled couple who may find a happy future if they can just survive and then learn to trust each other. A compelling and entertaining mix of sexy, complicated romance and menacing suspense.”
—Kirkus Reviews
NOT QUITE DATING
“It’s refreshing to read about a man who isn’t afraid to fall in love . . . [Jack and Jessie] fit together as a couple and as a family.”
—RT Book Reviews, 3 Stars (Hot)
“Not Quite Dating offers a sweet and satisfying Cinderella fantasy that will keep you smiling long after you’ve finished reading.”
—Kathy Altman, USA Today, “Happy Ever After”
“The perfect rags to riches romance . . . The dialogue is inventive and witty, the characters are well drawn out. The storyline is superb and really shines . . . I highly recommend this stand out romance! Catherine Bybee is an automatic buy for me.”
—Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Hearts
NOT QUITE ENOUGH
“Bybee’s gift for creating unforgettable romances cannot be ignored. The third book in the Not Quite series will sweep readers away to a paradise, and they will be intrigued by the thrilling story that accompanies their literary vacation.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick
NOT QUITE FOREVER
“Full of classic Bybee humor, steamy romance, and enough plot twists and turns to keep readers entertained all the way to the very last page.”
—Tracy Brogan, bestselling author of the Bell Harbor series
“Magnetic . . . The love scenes are sizzling and the multi-dimensional characters make this a page-turner. Readers will look for earlier installments and eagerly anticipate new ones.”
—Publishers Weekly
NOT QUITE PERFECT
“This novel flows extremely well and readers will find themselves consuming the witty dialogue and strong imagery in one sitting.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Don’t let the title fool you. Not Quite Perfect was actually the perfect story to sweep you away and take you on a pleasant adventure. So sit back, relax, maybe pour a glass of wine, and let Catherine Bybee entertain you with Glen and Mary’s playful East Coast–West Coast romance. You won’t regret it for a moment.”
—Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Stars
NOT QUITE CRAZY
“This fast-paced story features credible characters whose appealing relationship is built upon friendship, mutual respect, and sizzling chemistry.”
—Publishers Weekly
“The plot is filled with twists and turns, but instead of feeling like a never-ending roller coaster, the story maintains a quiet flow. The slow buildup of a romance allows readers to get to know the main characters as individuals and makes the romantic element more organic.”
—RT Book Reviews
DOING IT OVER
“The romance between fiercely independent Melanie and charming Wyatt heats up even as outsiders threaten to derail their newfound happiness. This novel will hook readers with its warm, inviting characters and the promise for similar future installments.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This brand-new trilogy, Most Likely To, based on yearbook superlatives, kicks off with a novel that will encourage you to root for the incredibly likable Melanie. Her friends are hilarious and readers will swoon over Wyatt, who is charming and strong. Even Melanie’s daughter, Hope, is a hoot! This romance is jam-packed with animated characters, and Bybee displays her creative writing talent wonderfully.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“With a dialogue full of energy and depth, and a twisting storyline that captured my attention, I would say that Doing It Over was a great way to start off a new series. (And look at that gorgeous book cover!) I can’t wait to visit River Bend again and see who else gets to find their HEA.”
—Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Stars
STAYING FOR GOOD
“Bybee’s skillfully crafted second Most Likely To contemporary (after Doing It Over) brings together former sweethearts who have not forgotten each other in the eleven years since high school
. A cast of multidimensional characters brings the story to life and promises enticing future installments.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Romance fans will be sure to cheer on former high school sweethearts Zoe and Luke right away in Staying For Good. Just wait until you see what passion, laughter, reconciliations, and mischief (can you say Vegas?) awaits readers this time around. Highly recommended.”
—Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Stars
MAKING IT RIGHT
“Intense suspense heightens the scorching romance at the heart of Bybee’s outstanding third Most Likely To contemporary (after Staying For Good). Sizzling sensual scenes are coupled with scary suspense in this winning novel.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
FOOL ME ONCE
“A marvelous portrait of friendship among women who have been bonded by fire.”
—Library Journal, Best of the Year 2017
“Bybee still delivers a story that her die-hard readers will enjoy.”
—Publishers Weekly
HALF EMPTY
“Wade and Trina here in Half Empty just might be one of my favorite couples Catherine Bybee has gifted us fans with so far. Captivating, engaging, lively and dreamy, I simply could not get enough of this book.”
—Harlequin Junkie, 5 stars
“Part rock star romance, part romantic thriller, I really enjoyed this book.”
—Romance Reader
FAKING FOREVER
“A charming contemporary with surprising depth . . . Bybee perfectly portrays a woman trying to hold out for Mr. Right despite the pressures of time. A pitch-perfect plot and a cast of sympathetic and lovable supporting characters make this book one to add to the keeper shelf.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Catherine Bybee can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned . . . Passionate, sultry, and filled with genuine emotions that ran the gamut, Faking Forever was a journey of self-discovery and of a love that was truly meant to be. Highly recommended.”
—Harlequin Junkie
SAY IT AGAIN
“Steamy, fast-paced, and consistently surprising, with a large cast of feisty supporting characters, this suspenseful roller-coaster ride will keep both series fans and new readers on the edge of their seats.”
—Publishers Weekly
ALSO BY CATHERINE BYBEE
Contemporary Romance
Weekday Brides Series
Wife by Wednesday
Married by Monday
Fiancé by Friday
Single by Saturday
Taken by Tuesday
Seduced by Sunday
Treasured by Thursday
Not Quite Series
Not Quite Dating
Not Quite Mine
Not Quite Enough
Not Quite Forever
Not Quite Perfect
Not Quite Crazy
Most Likely To Series
Doing It Over
Staying For Good
Making It Right
First Wives Series
Fool Me Once
Half Empty
Chasing Shadows
Faking Forever
Say It Again
Creek Canyon Series
My Way to You
Home to Me
Paranormal Romance
MacCoinnich Time Travels
Binding Vows
Silent Vows
Redeeming Vows
Highland Shifter
Highland Protector
The Ritter Werewolves Series
Before the Moon Rises
Embracing the Wolf
Novellas
Soul Mate
Possessive
Erotica
Kilt Worthy
Kilt-A-Licious
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Text copyright © 2020 by Catherine Bybee
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.
Published by Montlake, Seattle
www.apub.com
Amazon, the Amazon logo, and Montlake are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.
ISBN-13: 9781542009898
ISBN-10: 1542009898
Cover design by Caroline Teagle Johnson
For Whiskey.
I hope you’re chasing rabbits on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
EPILOGUE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CHAPTER ONE
If one more person asked Grace when she was going to find Mr. Right and settle down, she was going to deck ’em. Why did weddings and baby showers bring on the incessant questions regarding her nonexistent love life?
On the dance floor, Colin wrapped around his newly minted wife, Parker, in a slow dance. Her brother was all smiles, and her sister-in-law had shed actual tears while reciting her wedding vows. It really had been the perfect ceremony.
Colin was the first of them to get married. Grace was fairly certain her other brother, Matt, wasn’t far behind. He danced with his live-in girlfriend and her fellow bridesmaid, Erin. Yeah, they were just as lovey-dovey as the ones who’d tied the knot.
Truth was, Grace was insanely happy for both her brothers.
Only now that they were paired up, all family eyes were on her. Even Grandma Rose, whose dementia often resulted in Grace being called Nora, her mother’s name, followed by a question about coming home late from school . . . asked if Grace was ever going to find a man.
Grace leaned back in a chair, legs crossed, with her toe swinging in the air to the slow music. The lights were dim, and all eyes and cameras were focused on Colin and Parker.
Behind her, the sound of a chair scooting out from under the table had Grace glancing out of the corner of her eye. Aunt Bethany.
Grace lifted the hand holding her champagne in the air before her aunt had the chance to speak.
“Don’t.”
“What?”
“Not one word.”
Her aunt was Grandma Rose with a full-watt memory.
Grace heard the woman sigh over the music.
Three bars of music passed . . .
The chorus . . .
“Weddings always make me nostalgic,” Aunt Beth started.
Grace felt her easy grin turn into something painful.
“Nostalgic?” Grace found herself responding.
“Oh, yes . . . for those early days of romance and possibilities.”
“Yup.” God, this was painful. It was like watching a train barreling down the track toward a crossing with dysfunctional arms and wondering if the oncoming traffic would get
caught in its path.
Okay, maybe not that bad . . . but still.
“So, what is it about all your relationships that keeps you from having someone at your side at these events?”
And there it was.
Grace felt her hand tighten around the caterer’s cheap flute.
Option one: toss champagne at her aunt and cause a scene at her brother’s wedding.
Nope.
Option two: drink the champagne and grit her teeth to the point of pain.
Check.
“Grace?”
She swallowed half the glass in one gulp and proceeded to cough as some of the liquid went down the wrong pipe.
She grabbed for a napkin to keep from spitting wine all over her dress and then fled the room.
Eyes followed her retreat.
Outside the ballroom, the hotel lighting and decrease in noise stopped her forward motion.
Air . . . she needed air. Across the hall were double doors that led out to the hotel’s garden. Colin and Parker had taken copious numbers of pictures there only a couple of hours before.
Grace cleared her throat and marched toward the doors leading outside.
The second she passed the threshold, brisk December air rushed down her back.
“Holy moly.” She considered turning around.
Freeze or listen to Aunt Beth?
Cold it was.
Her feet took her toward the lighted path of trees. She hugged her arms in an attempt to stay warm.
The one fancy hotel in Santa Clarita was decked out for the holidays. But it wasn’t the view that snapped her out of her crappy mood, it was the fact she could see her breath.
Determined to stay outside long enough to look flushed and energized when she returned to the reception, Grace forced her legs to carry her to the end of the garden to stare at the water fountain.
“This is stupid,” she muttered to herself.
She rubbed her arms absently as a strange heat tickled the back of her neck.
The sensation of someone watching her was unshakable. She imagined there were hotel guests looking down from their rooms and wondering what kind of fool walked around in the cold, in a dress . . . without a coat.
“Me.” I’m the fool.
She shifted from foot to foot and slowly turned to determine if she could locate the eyes on her. Her head tilted up, as if she were looking for stars. The spans of hotel windows, all four stories of them, were in various stages of open blinds. Most were closed, but a few were wide open with the lights on in the rooms. Yet no one peered down.
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