I love books set in Venice and this one was no exception even if the action quickly moved back to the US. An unusual premise, a first wives club for divorcees following put up marriages to wealthy men for a variety of reasons. In Trina’s case her husband dies and she turns out to be billionaire rich. When she meets Wads, cute cowboy singer, there’s fun and games aplenty.

Half Empty is the second book in the First Wives series by the fabulous Catherine Bybee. I loved the first book and I was a little afraid this one wasn't going to be as good and I'm so glad I was wrong. I already loved Trina and knew she needed to find a good solid man to win her heart. Wade turned out to be that man plus more. Trina doesn’t need or want a man, but the night she meets Wade, there's just something about him. She stops his advances but he's so intrigued by her that he's not going to just walk away. Especially since she has no idea who he is. A rich, famous, country singer. She doesn't want anything from him and that's very refreshing. They quickly become friends who want more. But what happens when danger starts to chase them and their budding romance? Will Wade run for the hills or be the arms for Trina to run into? Can Trina and the girls trust Wade? I loved this story! Trina is so much stronger than she thinks she is. She's bent but not broken. Wade is sexy as sin! He's funny and handsome and is a really good man. Avery cracked me up! And of course Lori, Reed and Shannon were also great! I love this group of men and women and I can't wait for more.

"I have never worked this hard for a first date in my whole life."

"Funny, but it looked to me like Wade Thomas wanted to lick the cherry right off the top of Trina's ice cream sundae."

Enjoyable read. Trina is a widowed/marriage-by-contract bride, working to move on after tragedy strikes. Wade is a country artist looking for a bit of peace. A good follow up to the first book of the First Wives series. I like all of the characters and look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes. This is not my favorite series of Catherine Bybee's, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

I'll start by saying I really love this cover. Catherine Bybee has been a long time favorite author for me, so I had no doubt I'd enjoy this book. I was already familiar with Alliance and the arranged marriages from previous books, but I think this could easily be read as a standalone since everything is explained. Wade and Trina meet by chance while traveling. They have both been in the tabloids, but neither recognized the other. Their attraction is immediate, but Trina doesn't seem interested in taking things further until chance throws them together on the next leg of their journey and the sparks keep flying as they get to know each other better. Unfortunately for Wade, he gets pulled into drama and danger surrounding Trina related to the suicide of her husband a year prior. It takes help from Trina's friends and Wade's bodyguard to finally confront the instigator.

This story moved pretty fast and had great characters. I'm not normally a fan of music star type romances, but Wade was hilarious and over the top country, so I had no problem liking him. I can't wait to get the story on Avery. Hopefully it's next.

Net Galley provided an ARC for review.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest opinion. I loved this second installment in the First Wives Series and cannot wait for the next ones and can only imagine what the author has in store for the other characters! Its Trina's story this time round and following an extended stay in Italy to take stock of her life following the death of her 'husband' she meets Wade, a famous country singer. He has no idea who she is and she has no idea who he is. They seem perfect for one another and romance blossoms despite the couples different live paths. Her friends worry about her, his family worries about him and Trina's past threatens to cause trouble for them both. The book has it all - fun, laughter, romance, danger and excitement, not to mention a happy ending!

I cannot wait for the next one!

Catherine Bybee is fast becoming one of my auto-buy authors. This is book two in the Cabot series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, I immediately accepted. My opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone.

As with all of Ms. Bybee’s novels, Half Empty captured my attention from the first page and kept until the last. The pacing is fast, the characters are entertaining and well-written, and the plot is fantastic.

Trina’s character shows a vulnerability that I found very appealing. The manner in which she conceived her son was not the best and didn’t put her in a favorable light, but Ms. Bybee redeems her character in a big way. I loved how she turned her from a bit of an immature flighty young woman to one who accepts her responsibilities and is a great mother.

Wade’s character is so responsible and determined to fulfill his father’s vision to the point it almost costs him the woman he loves. I’m so relieved he realized what is truly important before it was too late.

The romance between Trina and Wade is strong. The sexual tension between the pair is excellent. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending. They are perfect for each other.

I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the earlier book in this series. It’s always fun to reconnect. The Cabot family is intriguing and flawed. I truly like them a great deal.

If you enjoy a romance with strong family ties, engaging characters, and an intriguing plot, then you will love Half Empty as much as I did. I highly recommend this talented author. While this book is part of a series, it is a stand-alone novel. Happy reading!

3.5 Stars

Wade, the H, is the main reason why I liked this book as much as I did. He’s swoony and yummy. He’s a total book boyfriend hottie. I liked Trina too. But I especially liked how she made Wade chase and work for her. Hehehehe. I did not like Wade’s mother. When you meet her, you’ll understand why.

Note: I think that in order to fully appreciate and understand this story, I would recommend that you read book 1 first. That book explains the whole First Wives Club backstory. There are many characters in this book that also were from that book. Lastly, the whole action-thriller angle in this book actually began there too.

This is the second book in the First Wives series. It is a complete standalone and you do not need to read the first book to thoroughly enjoy this book. If you’ve read Catherine Bybee before, this book is just as good as all her others, but it is a little bit different. This book is much more a romantic suspense than her others. That is just one of the many things I loved about this book.

The book starts out with Trina feeling a little lost after her business arrangement takes an unexpected turn. Throughout the book Trina shows a strength that sometimes doesn’t come through in other books. She meets Wade and has no idea who he is. Wade is a famous country music star and is not sure what to do with a woman who doesn’t throw herself at him. Despite this they have a connection that leads them on this journey of getting to know each other, a meddling mother, an ex that won’t take no for an answer, an attack on a best friend, a murder investigation, and so much more. Throughout it all Wade stays by Trina’s side. This just adds to his sexiness and his appeal.

If you are looking for a fast moving, suspenseful, romantic read then definitely check out this book. I have to warn you though, once you read one of Catherine Bybee’s book you’ll want to read them ALL.

4.5 Cowboy Stars
Half empty is Trina’s story. I love this series concept and the cover is perfection. So as you know I do not read blurbs so heres some great things that came out of this book. The book can be read as a standalone however its not as enjoyable unless you fully get immersed in the book. Trina is dealing with the loss of her husband, her inheritance and her overall new life plan. What I liked about this book is it showed more of Trina in a mature light instead of someone easily manipulated. A few loose ends were tied up from book one and it gave me the happy squeals. This book is adorable. There is love, loss, mystery, family and much more in this book.
Wade is a refreshing person .. a new take on a country star . He was both perfection and a little over done at times but I think Trina and him may work in the long run. I think its too early for me to be set on their futures just because they really are two different people.
The jealous mom and ex-girlfriend were overdone tropes but I wish they were a bit better done.

Not your ordinary romance, Catherine Bybee throws in a murder mystery and laugh out loud romantic comedy. Oh, and Trina and Wade are hot, hot, hot! This is the second book in the First Wives series, and could easily be read as a stand-alone, but as a reader who had already read the first book I was happy to see the characters from the previous book in more than just a cameo appearance. Since Trina had been one of the primary characters of the previous book, I was already smitten with her and enjoyed discovering more of her story. I’m hesitant to call Wade a hot rocker (but he is!) because he is also so much more than that. We only see a small bit of his fame and mostly we just see a man who is just as protective of his girl as his Mom is of him and didn’t feel he had to dominate her time when her life went to chaos. As always, Bybee has crafted an exceptional story that I would recommend to any reader.

I’ve been really looking forward to the release of this book and I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed. All of Catherine Bybee’s books are a treat and I would recommend them to any series romance fans. Half Empty is the second in this series and the only problem I had was having forgotten some of the character details from the first book, I could have done with a little bit more ‘explanation ‘ who everyone was. I would definitely recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this one as you would miss out on some insights if trying to read as a stand alone.

That said, I loved the book and will mark my book calendar for the release date of the third instalment of The First Wives series.

Catherine Bybee remains on my top list of writers with this book! Half Empty is the eagerly anticipated 2nd book to the 1st Wives Series. Trina and Wade make a great pair in this adventuresome, thrilling romance. Ms. Bybee had me captivated from beginning to end. Definitely not one to miss!

I love how genuine the characters in this book are. They all have the ability to be snobbish and standoffish but there are real. Wade is a country music star and almost everyone around him wants something but Trina doesn’t even know who he is. The best part is that she has more money than he does so that isn’t between them. From their first meeting in the hotel bar, so cliché like, the attraction was there. Trina is recovering from losing her husband to suicide and Wade is just looking to be anonymous. Together they both get what they want while keeping those around them on their toes.

Catherine Bybee’s talent pulls the reader in from the very beginning and never lets them go. I was entirely invested in the story, the characters, and the outcome. Even when I had to get on with the real world I read a few more pages needing to finish a paragraph or a chapter before I could put the book down. Then I would rush to get back to it so I could read more.

Half Empty is part of a series but it is a stand-alone book. The characters all have their own story with an ending to each book. Yet they make appearances in each other’s stories allowing the reader to catch up with them and see where their lives are taking them.

I was curious to see how Trina would handle life after the death of her mother in law and husband. Her life has drastically changed. She does still have her first wives group to support her. She isn't expecting to meet a country boy, or to have her best friend seriously injured while helping her. As things keep going bad for her at the same time it is getting better and better.
I love this series you will laugh, get angry, and laugh again.



** I received a copy of his book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I absolutely loved the premise of the First Wives club - the set-up was unique, the characters were real, and the book pulled me in from the start and kept me engaged right through to the end.

Trina is still recovering from her husband’s death – even though it was supposed to be just a temporary, marriage of convenience arrangement, she did come to care for Fedor and was shook when he took his own life. With the one-year anniversary of Fedor’s death coming up, Trina is still trying to come to terms with all the changes that his death has brought. I loved her introspection and how thoughtful she was. She knows that she still needs time to make sense of where she is emotionally, but she doesn’t shut herself off to the possibilities…just takes time to make sure she’s ready for the choices she makes.

Even though Wade is famous, he’s still very real and down to earth. He knows and even sometimes plays to his fame, but his actions speak to his desire to be seen for him, and not the fame that his singing has brought. When he meets Trina he can’t believe she doesn’t know who he is – which makes her even more intriguing to him. He can be the fun and flirty cowboy, but those who truly know Wade know that he’s also caring, thoughtful, and loyal to those he cares about.

I loved the backdrop of the suspense to the romance between Wade in Trina. What starts as the beginning of a love story between these two quickly turns into a dangerous adventure. I loved Wade’s unquestioning support and doing whatever he needed to help Trina, but my favorite part was watching Trina’s friends circle the wagons and do whatever was needed to protect and support each other.

This is the second book I’ve read by Catherine Bybee and I am impressed once again by her ability to make her characters step off the page. There’s a realness and emotion that is written into each page and it makes it so easy to get caught up in the story. The quick pacing and plot were perfect for the story that was told and I can’t wait to dive into the next book!

This is one that is a must for anyone’s TBR shelf!

Trina has just been going through the motions, trying to avoid life as well as her friends. A year after the suicide of her husband, and the circus media that resulted, has seen her sink even further into an emptiness she feels she will never crawl out of. When a late night bar visit brings her shoulder to shoulder with Wade, she wants to let go and believe there is goodness in men, but her past indicates otherwise. In an effort to miss out on the First Wives next get together, she ends up in a hotel with the handsome singer to wait out a storm.

Wade is drawn to Trina from the very first. She is beautiful and a bit quirky but with a sadness that should not have a place in the depth of her eyes. It is to his benefit that she needs rescuing from her friends and he takes full advantage of it. Unfortunately, they both eventually go their own ways but when he takes the chance to invite her to his ranch in Texas, she accepts.

This is an action filled, mysterious and suspenseful read with plenty of country romance in the form of darlin’s and little ladies. Even as Wade made me fall in love with his wholesome goodness, I was pulled deeper and deeper into the dark mystery of Trina’s deceased husband and the money that now surrounds her. With a cast of characters to add depth and emotion to the story, I consumed this book as quickly as possible. It was just oh so good!

This is relatively low angst in regards to Wade and Trina’s relationship. Most of the drama arose from outside sources and danger. The chemistry between these two was electric from the beginning and yet they didn’t rush it and allowed it to progress naturally. As a result, there was plenty of steam when the time arrived. As a cherry on top of all this deliciousness was a wonderful epilogue that made me giddy with happiness.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I adore Catherine's books, but there is something extra special about her First Wives series. Of course, there's the strong female friendship that is a staple in Catherine's works. Then there's the hero and heroine who, while strong on their own, compliment each other perfectly. Where one is weak, the other is strong. Where one is lacking, the other steps up to fill the void. I always love how her characters are the perfect balance. The element that I'm enjoying the most is how deeply connected the books are in the series. Events that happened in the first book play a big role in Half Empty, which in turn plays a role in the next book. I love how each book is connected. It gives the story more depth and I find myself more invested in the series.

Trina and Wade were so wonderfully developed if felt as if I've known them for years. Still reeling from her husband's death, Trina's tired of people looking at her differently. So when Wade pops into her life with a spontaneous trip to a remote location, Trina throws caution to the wind and agrees. Wade doesn't quite know what to think of Trina. The fact that she has no idea of his celebrity status is foreign to Wade. One thing is for sure, he'll do anything to protect her. What starts off as a quick trip sparks a whirlwind romance in the midst of danger. They grow closer while trying to investigate the truth about her husband's death. All things point to foul play, but that doesn't mean things are as they seem.

Truth be told, I've been off and on with Catherine's books. When I first discovered her, I couldn't get enough. Then, as usual, I got behind. Now that I'm caught up on her most recent works, I find myself wanting to go back and read the books that I missed. As for Half Empty, I devoured it. Now the wait begins for Avery's book.

Trina Petrov is a rich woman thanks to her marriage-by-contract arrangement. However, being rich isn't all it's cracked up to be, considering it's been more bad than good with the trouble she's had since her husband died. Dragging country-music heart-throb Wade Thomas into the trouble she's facing isn't something she wanted, especially knowing how dangerous the people coming after her are. Still, she's lucky to have him on her side. Will Trina and Wade find a way to be together or will someone determined to take everything from Trina get their way?

Reading a new book by Ms. Bybee is always exciting and I've got to say that this second book of her First Wives series was an absolutely engaging, fast-paced, marvellous read about the tight bonds of friendship; a heroine's fight for survival and finding the kind of love she deserves; and a hero determined to protect the woman he's coming to love. Will Trina and Wade come out on top against the trouble the heroine faces because of her past?

With the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything both the main and secondary characters go through on their journey to happy ever after. However, there were moments where I was shaking my head at one of the women Trina is friends with because she has serious daddy and trust issues and was a little too opinionated for those reasons. Then again, it could be she's just overprotective of Trina because she doesn't have much else to do with her time than worry about her friends, look pretty and spend money. Yet, in saying that, I loved the direction Ms. Bybee took this story in, which had me warming up to the heroine's friend, especially with what she goes through that sends her from a confident woman to a very vulnerable one, which will make things interesting for the next book of the series.

As for Trina and Wade, they were two brilliant main characters with interesting back stories; off-the-charts chemistry; and tough obstacles to face to be together including winning over Wade's mom. Will Trina be able to win the hero's mom over? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, determined to protect those that she cares about and I liked how she handled everything she faces when it comes to someone coming after her, which gets more and more dangerous and harrowing, especially because of things Trina and her friends discover. While the hero, he's charming, confident, good for Trina and I liked how determined he was to protect her. I also liked how Wade handled everything thrown at him when it comes to Trina's past and her friend's protectiveness. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his determination to make those that care about him know that Trina is the one for him no matter what anyone says.

Overall, Ms. Bybee has delivered an enthralling read in this book where emotions run high; the nicely-detailed romance does justice to this couple's intense chemistry; and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat with worry due to what the main characters experience at the hands of a madman, but had me loving how right everything turns out. Really, Trina is lucky to have such wonderful support in the secondary characters. I would recommend Half Empty by Catherine Bybee, if you enjoy romantic suspense, contemporary romance mixed with a good dose of suspense, second chance romances or books by authors Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliott, Jill Sanders and Ruth Cardello.

HALF EMPTY (First Wives #2) by Catherine Bybee is the latest in her First Wives contemporary romance series with a suspense subplot carried over from the first book. This is Katrina “Trina” Petrov’s story and it can be read as a standalone, but for a full understanding of the relationship between all of the First Wives, you may want to read “Fool Me Once” the first book in this series.
Katrina “Trina” Petrov became one of the wealthiest woman in America when her temporary first husband committed suicide. As the one year anniversary of his death approaches, Trina is vacationing in Venice and does not know what to do with rest of her new life. Called back to Texas by the other First Wives, Trina tries her best to slow her return.
Stuck in a hotel due to a storm, she has the last order of food coming out of the kitchen. A charming man two seats down at the bar has missed dinner too and strikes up a conversation with Trina. She is willing to share her food, but has no interest in the man. This is an intriguing and somewhat novel occurrence for Wade Thomas, the famous country music star.
Wade Thomas finds Trina to be a novelty. She does not know who he is, she does not need his money and she does not need his connections. What he does want to do for her is to chase away the sadness in her eyes and make her smile. Sure, he wants more, but he surprises himself by wanting to take it slow.
When Trina’s best friend, Avery is brutally attacked all of the friends from book one work to take care of the threat against Trina for good. Wade may not understand everything that is happening, but he knows he wants to protect Trina and is willing to help her any way he can. A secret is about to be revealed that brings the enemy into the open and could be the death of Trina and/or her friends.
I loved Trina and Wade together. The romance was entertaining and fun with the couple’s dialogue and communications so honest and realistic. Even with the short time frame, the author does a great job of writing in a friendship before the sexual relationship. The sex does not occur until later in the book and fit there perfectly. I was also intrigued throughout the story with the suspense subplot. I am looking forward to finding out who the other First Wives will find their HEA with. I will also be looking forward to the return of the mysterious Sasha.

A full year after her husband committed suicide, Trina is doing everything she can to avoid all of the feelings the day will bring to the forefront - so she runs. Knowing her friends will make her confront her demons, she takes her time traveling to Texas to meet up with them. At a layover in Florida, Trina meets a hunky cowboy that has clearly never had experience with rejection.

Wade is so accustomed to fans recognizing him that meeting Trina in a hotel bar, he finds it refreshing and strange to meet someone that has no idea who he is. After sharing a meal and some banter, Wade is game to help Trina take her time getting home. But despite their impromptu trip to the Caribbean, her friends make it to the island to bring her home.

While the two of the definitely had a lot of fun together, Wade is surprised when he hears from her again. And the two of them share some great times when she comes to visit him on his ranch.

Wade and Trina are growing close, but there is suddenly a lot of mystery surrounding her late husbands death, and Trina and all those she cares for may be in danger. And despite all of the craziness, Wade stayed by Trina's side, both to comfort her and to watch out for her.

I really enjoyed the natural development of Wade and Trina's love story. There was no serious conflict between them, just a nice slow building of trust and love that grows to the point that neither of them can deny their connection.

Half Empty was a truly heartfelt addition to the First Wives Club. I can't wait for book three to see what Catherine has in store for us next.