Half Empty by Catherine Bybee is the second book from the First Wives Series. This was a five-star book that had everything it needed to excel. There was friendship, romance, intrigue, and lots of heat, just to name a few. I loved it from beginning to end. Catherine Bybee has a unique writing style that I love. Her stories are well written and easy to get caught up in. This story was no exception. The main characters Trina and Wade were easy to love. The story had many twists and turns with some surprises. Loved, loved, loved it. Highly recommended to all. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Great job Catherine Bybee!

This was actually my first book by Catherine Bybee. She's been on my radar for a long time, but I'd just never gotten around to reading her. I can honestly say that she's got me hooked. I was not expecting the suspense and trauma that was in this story, but she kept me turning the pages. The marriage by contract concept of the story was also surprising to me.
I found the relationship between Trina and Wade to be very heartwarming. I loved that she didn't know who he was when they met. I also loved how he was determined to stick by her when the violence started and it became apparent that she was the target. He was totally out of his league (there were lots of big bodyguards involved and lots of guns), but he wanted to do his part to protect her. It took their relationship a while to really heat up, but the results were sweet and sexy.
I will definitely go back and read the first book in the series and look for the rest of the books as they come out! I received a copy of this via Netgalley.

4.5 stars

I don't think I've read a Catherine Bybee book so far that I didn't enjoy. And not surprisingly, Half Empty is not an exception. It is romantic and sweet with a sprinkle of hotness, dangerous and suspenseful with a bite-your-nails action. Or in short, a 100% Catherine Bybee masterpiece :D

To be honest, the book started a little bit slow for me (hence the 4.5 stars) and I wasn't completely in love with Trina and Avery. Though, I can't imagine what Trina was going through, I though she was acting a little bit childish and dramatic. On the other hand, the whole bossing people around and telling them what to do vibe that Avery had was a little bit over the top for most of the situations in my opinion. But that pretty much changed after the first couple of chapters or so and I can honestly say that I fell in love with the characters. Especially, when Wade joined the party :D

Ultimately, Wade and Trina's story is a page-turner. There is a little bit for everyone in it. Romance, heartbreak, danger, suspense, sexy shenanigans and even humour fill the pages of this great book. The story line is intriguing and though it follows quite a typical path for romantic suspense, it is still new and fresh and I can guarantee that there will be few surprises that you wouldn't expect.

Though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. But in my opinion, if you read the first one, you will enjoy Half Empty even more. So if you haven't read Catherine Bybee till now, this is a great place to start. And if you are already a fan, you know you won't be disappointed. So be sure to hurry up and #1click your copy ;)

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

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee continues her sassy series with another of the First Wives finding that love and secrets are a dangerous combination.

Trina Petrov’s marriage-by-contract was only meant to be temporary. But when tragedy strikes, Trina is left one of the wealthiest women in the world. To recover from the shock, she takes some time off in Italy, swearing not to fall for any men while there. But that doesn’t mean she can’t fall for anyone on the trip home…

Country-music superstar Wade Thomas is lying low in a hotel bar when he gets the cold shoulder from the woman next to him. He’s used to fans fawning at his boots, and Trina is a refreshing change—so is the fact that she has no idea who he is.

As things begin to heat up, Trina discovers that the circumstances of her late husband’s death are not what they seemed. Now she’s in trouble, and Wade isn’t about to let her out of his sight. Getting close to love and danger could get them killed…or it could sweep them both off their feet.

Review:

I will start off with saying I have been meaning to read this Author for awhile, but I have not had the opportunity. I am so glad I finally had time and this ARC came up available. I was drawn to book by the description, then once I started reading it, I was drawn in by the characters.

Of course, I am reading this series out of order, but I was never lost or confused. The Author did a great job creating a well-rounded main couple and the surrounding characters were really great too. Trina and Wade are a great couple, I really loved how they interacted with each other. The chemistry was definitely there and tangible. I ran through a lot of emotions reading this, because at times it was suspenseful, dramatic, action-packed, heart-felt and sexy. The story was really a great, complete package. Oh, and the snarky, witty dialogue was awesome.

I am so glad I picked this up to read.

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Heartwrenching, heartwarming, with a dash of danger, country music, smooching and intrigue. Has it been a year since Trina said I do, burying her mother in law and then her husband. Her life changed more then the contract led her to believe. A chance meeting with hot country music singer Wade Thomas, opens her heart for more. Bybee has a great way of pulling you in and holding you to the end.

I LOOOOOOOOOOVED this book! I think this was my favorite book from Catherine Bybee, yet! Or at least until the next one, amirite!? Trina is a strong woman who has spent the last year through hell. The last thing she is looking for is a man. While she appreciates them from afar, she doesn't want one of her own. However, Wade offers assistance when she needs it most and they fall into an easy friendship. Wade enjoyed the fact that Trina had no idea who he was and he wanted to woo her. Heck, I fell for Wade and his sweet charm! Book boyfriend? Yes, please! I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Trina and Wade develop, but neither one of them realized what was lying ahead of them! I enjoyed the twists and turns this story brought and the way things from the past had a way of bringing itself into the now. I don't want to say too much and give this story away. This was a FANTASTIC read and I can't recommend it enough! This one left me with a delicious book hangover, too. Be sure to grab your copy today.

**I voluntarily read an early copy in exchange for an honest review**

After meeting the ladies of the First Wives Club in Fool Me Once (book 1), I was excited to dive into the second book. I was not disappointed. Another fantastic story filled with romance, humor, and suspense. My favorite combination.

Katrina "Trina" Petrov has had a rough year. She never expected that her marriage of convenience would end in tragedy or that she would become wealthy beyond belief. She decides to take a solo trip to Italy to get away from it all. She has one rule: don't fall for anyone! A chance encounter on her way back to Texas might have her rethinking the rule and alter the course of her life.

Wade Thomas is a country singer who has just completed his tour. He decides to lay low in the town of his last show. He's just looking for some dinner when he encounters a woman who wants none of his flirting and claims to not know who he is. He's thrilled that's true and he's totally intrigued by his dinner companion.

Trina (along w/ her friend Avery) ultimately heads to the Hampton's to tend to her late husband's affairs. Wade heads back to Texas, determined to see Trina again. Trina accepts his invitation to a party at his ranch. While she is having a great time and connecting with Wade, things in NY take a dangerous turn. Trina, of course wants to head back east and deal with it. Wade insists on going with her. With her past, can these two really make a go of things or will this end them before they really get started.

As with her other books, I was sucked in from the beginning. All of the characters are great and leave me wanting to know more about them and lives.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Montlake Romance for my unbiased opinion of the book. You will love this book as much as I did!!! I could not put it down and read it in about 6 hours!!! This the second book in the First Wives series and it does not disappoint. Tina Petrov is trying to move forward after her temporary husband's suicide and her mother in law’s death that left her with more money than she could ever spend. After taking a much-needed break in Italy, she returns to the states. She runs into country music star Wade Thomas at a hotel bar. He is put out that someone as shockingly as it may seem does not know who he is. When Trina finds herself in the middle of another investigation and a friend in the hospital things start to not add up. Was her husband murdered and did not kill himself??? Does she finally let her heart open to Wade to see if she can love someone on her terms?? You just must get this next book and see what happens! Catherine Bybee thank you for the great writing!!!!

Trina is an unassuming young lady who entered into a marriage of convenience. When her husband commits suicide, she has no idea what wealth or what danger awaits her as a result. Trina wants to just continue on with a simple life, no complications and no relationships. She wants nothing to do with dating or with men, One night late, after a long flight back to the states from Italy, she goes into a bar for food and runs into Wade, a country music star. She's never heard of him and has no desire to get to know him. This intrigues Wade and makes him interested because of her snub. He decides to pursue her regardless of her total lack of interest. When she and her inner circle become the target of an unknown killer, Wade steps in to help keep her safe. This is a gripping romantic mystery. I enjoyed reading it. It's a fast paced, captivating book. I recommend reading...

This book has everything. Romance, great sex, and mystery combined with danger.
When Trina Petrov married, she knew it was temporary, after all it was a marriage of convenience with an actual contract. Both parties agreeing on an end date. Her mother-in-law was dying and her husband wanted to please his mother by getting married. What happens next is shocking, when he commits suicide. All of a sudden Trina has become one of the richest women in the world. Money she tried to give back to her mother-in-law, to no avail. Getting away to Italy to find herself doesn’t seem to be working. On her way back to the US she meets a great looking cowboy named Wade Thomas.
Wade Thomas is enjoying his drink when he spots a beautiful woman sitting near him. Trying to make conversation with her is not easy, basically shutting him out. She doesn’t even recognize the fact that he is a very famous country singer. When her flight is cancelled, Wade offers her a ride in his private jet the following day. As they get to know each other, their chemistry heats up. Finding out the death of her ex-husband is questionable, is confusing, so are the mystery letters that her mother-in-law left her after her death. All of a sudden Trina is in danger and Wade doesn’t want to leave her alone.
Catherine Bybee is one of my favorite authors, and her new book didn’t disappoint!

Oh my, the feels in this one! Trina and Wade are perfect for each other. Trina is part of the first wives club and married her first husband who supposedly committed suicide before their impending divorce and then his mother passed and she left her estate to her. This left her richer than imaginable. Flying home Europe and sitting in a hotel bar at midnight a stranger strikes up a conversation about how much food she has ordered when he cannot get any because the kitchen has closed. Perfect meet cute! Especially when Trina does not recognize the man who is a famous country musician who just finished a tour. Wade Thomas who? The chemistry is tingly and the heat generated between them even when just sharing a meal is astounding. A private jet the next day takes them to the Bahamas instead of back to Texas and that is where Trina's friends find her and fun begins. What starts out platonic and friendship seems meant to be. Can it withstand all the danger that seems to be circling Trina? Oh, this was so good! I highly recommend this and make sure you have time to read when you start it because you will not wants to put it down (I didn't). This could be read as a standalone (if you really wanted to).

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Half Empty by Catherine Bybee is the second book in The First Wives Club. I did not read the prior book, but I am now looking forward to reading it!! The book is a romance but there is a serious twist with killers looking to kill Trina Petrov.

Trina’s husband died unexpectedly and she is left with loads of money, guilt and questions. While she is on her way home (which she is trying to avoid doing), she meets an man who is interesting, not that she is really interested at all. She allowed him to help her avoid home for another day or so. Wade Thomas is a superstar, a singer who sells out concerts and is known worldwide, except by Trina. He is looking for time being a real person and not a famous person.

Things become interesting when the reader finds out more about Trina and how she fits into the First Wives Club. The plot thickens when she goes to meet Wade for a big party for a weekend, but her friend that stayed in her house meets is badly hurt. Then the story picks up speed as the facts come out leading everyone to knowing what they needed to do.

I liked that neither Trina nor Wade knew how rich the other was. I liked how Trina was not put out as much as most people would be by Wade’s mother. I liked how the facts were parceled leaving you wanting more information. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Half Empty by Catherine Bybee was a good read.

This was just okay to me. I had a really hard time connecting to the characters, which made the book tough to get through. Definitely read the first one before you read this one. I had not read the first book in the series, and was pretty confused as to what exactly was going on, especially with the First Wives Club. I loved the Weekday Brides series, and you do get to see some of those people again in this series, which was fun to see. I think anyone who loved the first book in the series will love this book as well.

* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my, loved this book. Trina's marriage of contract was suppose to end in divorce but her husband commits suicide instead. She has been left as a very wealthy lady. She soon takes a trip to Italy, but has sworn off all men until she meets Wade at a hotel bar. Wade is a well known country music singer, and was very surprised when Trina did not know who he was. There is an instant hot sexual chemistry between them. Trina soon finds herself in trouble with her deceased husband's family and Wade will not leave her side, through thick and thin.

Once again Catherine Bybee has written a book that I could not put down. Plenty of romance along with suspense makes for a perfect read. I also really enjoyed the friendships of the First Wives. Her perfect one liners will have you laughing out loud or just shaking your head. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book!!

Yet another fantastic book from this author. Her books never fail to pull me in immediately and keep me glued to the pages all the way through. This book did exactly that. It's the second in the First Wives series but easily read standalone. Trina Petrov always knew her marriage to Fedor Petrov wouldn't last but she expected it to end in divorce rather than leaving her a widow and one of the wealthiest women in the world. Wade Thomas is known and loved by millions as a famous country singer. He's use to being recognized yet when he meets Trina she has no idea who he is and that intrigues him. They are drawn together immediately and before long the beginnings of love are rooted deep in their hearts. Can they manage to stay together when the danger her deceased husband left behind catches up to Trina?

Put this on the must read list! I highly recommend it.

Half Empty is book 2 in the First Wife’s series and this is Trina Petrov and Wade Thomas story, Trina is trying to avoid the quarterly First Wife’s Club metting but she knows if she doesn’t start to make her way back to the States her girlfriends will come looking for her could a chance meeting in a hotel bar in Venice with Wade Thomas save her. Wade Thomas a country singer is used to woman falling all over him and meeting Trina a women who doesn’t even recognise him is a breath of fresh air but what will happen when they finally get back to the States and the past catches up with Trina.......
I love this authors writing but for me this book is by far her best work it’s jam packed with hot handsome alpha males, plenty of romance, but it was the mystery and the lot of twists and turns that made this book for me. The characters have depth and chemistry and you are drawn in from the very first page, looking forward to next in this brilliant series.

HALF EMPTY – Catherine Bybee
First Wives Series, Book 2
Montlake Romance
ISBN: 9781503903555
August 2018
Contemporary Romance

Italy & the United States – Present Day

It’s been nearly a year since her husband committed suicide but Trina Petrov is still haunted by it. Though her marriage to Fedor was a business contract, with no love involved, his death still hurts. Trina didn’t want the money she inherited but she is using it instead to help others. Vacationing in Italy, she hopes to forget this painful anniversary but her best friends, the other women of the First Wives Club, want her to meet them for their annual “meeting.” As Trina meanders her way back to the United States, she encounters Wade Thomas. The two hit it off and it isn’t until a day or two later that Trina learns that he is the Wade Thomas, a country music superstar.

Wade is trying to lay low because he wants some relaxation from the constraints that stardom has placed upon him. Amused that the mysterious Trina doesn’t recognize him, he is soon forming a friendship with her that may lead to more. It’s apparent to him that she is a woman in need, even if she won’t admit it. As their friendship sails smoothly to something more, a mysterious and vicious attack on one of Trina’s best friends has Wade circling the wagons around her. No one will harm Trina, not if they want to answer to Wade. Soon it appears that Trina’s late husband may not have committed suicide but was murdered. Is the killer now targeting her?

HALF EMPTY starts off slowly with Trina wandering around in Venezia, Italy, dragging her feet as her friends call her and implore her to come home. She knows they will ask her how she’s doing but she doesn’t want to talk about Fedor. Trina entered into a marriage contract with Fedor, an arrangement meant to please his dying mother. But Fedor died first and when his mother passed away, it was to learn that the woman had bequeathed her estate to Trina. Now Trina is one of the richest women in the world and intends to use the funds to launch a company to help stewardesses. While on a layover in Miami during a hurricane on her way back to Texas, Trina runs into Wade in a bar. They hit it off and soon jet off to the Bahamas, where they are each other’s company in a platonic way.

Wade enjoys being around Trina. She doesn’t suck up to him like other females, though he is shocked to later learn that she has more money than he does. Friendship comes first with them, but soon it will turn sexual. However, before they can make love, Trina is called back to New York City. There, with the help of her friend, Avery, they will inventory her late husband’s mansion and sell the expensive objects. But then Avery is beaten in a vicious attack. It is while Trina and her other girlfriends are at Avery’s side that they learn Fedor was likely murdered. Who is the culprit…and why?

HALF EMPTY is book two in the First Wives series by Catherine Bybee about a group of women who were married before and bonded. Having not read the first book, FOOL ME ONCE, I can report that HALF EMPTY can easily be read as a standalone.

As stated earlier, HALF EMPTY starts slowly, first with Trina feeling alone in Italy, yet not wanting to face her friends. Once Wade enters her life she begins to perk up and starts to come alive again. They are good for each other as he has spent most of his adult life working at becoming the superstar that he is. Their chemistry sparkles and their final avowals of love work well. HALF EMPTY deftly mixes in with the romance a bit of a suspense as to what happened to Fedor—and why—and readers are in for a treat of a read.

Patti Fischer
for Romance Reviews Today

This series started of strong with Fool Me Once. I’m incredibly happy to find it got even stronger with this story. I absolutely adore Wade and Jeb and think they are a fantastic addition to this group of friends.

Just as Trina’s friends have worried over her for the past year, the author also makes the reader worry over her. She’s been through so much and carries so much of what happened to others on her own shoulders. Of course, her friends aren’t going to allow her to hide away forever. Especially Avery.

Wade is instantly intrigued by the woman who doesn’t know who he is the night they meet. Although Wade is a great guy, he isn’t a saint. He’s used to women pretty much throwing themselves at his feet. To be able to flirt with a woman but not have her say and do anything to get him in bed, that’s a new one on him. There’s an instant attraction and heat, but it just grows as they remain platonic in the beginning.

I’ll be honest and say this one could potentially be a bit confusing if you haven’t read the first in the series. I think you could read it as a standalone, but it just would be missing something and you wouldn’t get the full experience of the story. Not to mention, the link these women share is amazing and best explored from the beginning.

That being said, I’ll proceed with this review as if you read the first book. I don’t think there any real spoilers, but what I say may not make sense if you don’t know some back story.

The threat Ruslan posed wasn’t over after the first story, we knew that as readers and the characters are aware. And he came back with a vengeance. But so did Sasha. We see quite a bit more of her in this story and she’s quite fascinating. I’m sure we still haven’t seen the last of her…at least I hope we haven’t.

I love the way Wade jumps right in to help with all that is going on in Trina’s life although they barely know each other. Even better is the way Jeb just fits right in with Reed, Rick, and all the other “protectors” of this group. He didn’t miss a beat. What was terrible was Wade’s mom. She was a character that I thought I’d like but ended up not being who I thought she would be. In some ways I could understand her protective nature, but not her being disrespectful. Oddly, I like the way the author handled her (even though I still don’t like the character) because in the end, it was realistic. No sunshine and rainbows there. But a mutual acknowledgment from Trina and Wade’s mom that he loves them both and they would have to get along.

As much heartache there is in this story, there is a lot of healing that happens. At least for Trina. Now poor Avery is going to have a long road to travel after things that she has to endure in this story. As much as I’m chomping at the bit for Shannon’s story, my heart just weeps for Avery and I hope she gets her HEA next.

4.5 stars

Wow! Awesome contemporary romantic suspense by winning author Ms. Bybee. The First Wives is a series that the characters relate to the previous set of Weekday Brides. Trina is one of the club and she's trying to come to terms with the anniversary of her husband's suicide. Wade is at the bar and introduces himself to Trina and is surprised she has no idea he's a famous country western singer. The mystery behind the storyline evolves from the beginning of the book till the end. The author keeps you on edge to know the outcomes of several secondary characters. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books, especially in this series, by this author.

4 stars- As part of the new series First Wives, this entry works well. This time the focus is on Trina Petrov. She was part of the Marrying Temp with rich men contracts. Each person in these marriages was getting something out of the arrangement and everything was above board.

When Trina's husband commits suicide she is shocked. She then has another shock when her mother-in-law leaves her the entire oil company when she passes from cancer. Trina cannot get her head around she is now a widow with billions at her disposal. Trying to understand all that has happened, she decides to embark on travel to just get away.

After traveling to Italy with the First Wives, she is back in the states, staying at a quiet hotel. She goes to the dining area/bar to have a bite. It is there she is approached by a beautiful man... all smiles, friendly and flirtatious. Wade is a Country Music Star in his own right. Women are usually falling all over him trying to get his attention. It is him who is having to scrape them off...Not the other way around. Wade wanted to get away from it all and to have this amazing woman not care who he is and is independently wealthy on her own...this is just too good to be true,.

Yee Haw, Wade thinks he may be in love. The both of them have strong chemistry and there is also a bit of suspense with this love story. A solid entry for the series.