At only 32% into, I realized Avery, the heroine, and I were just not going to hit it off, folks. Sure, all things were pretty good at first, until she decides to ditch Liam’s genuine, gentlemanly offer of a real date and instead trolls bars alone, with no cell phone, buzzed drunk looking for a meaningless one night stand. Yeah, she’s chasing shots and letting random men hit on her all to prove a point to herself. What logical, rational point, you ask? Well, in my opinion, there wasn’t one. Other than it makes her look plain careless and stupid. You see, this behavior appears to be routine for her, a woman supposedly afraid of being attacked and having her face kicked in by a complete stranger again. It makes no sense she’d put herself in potential harm’s way like this after what she survived.

From that point on, she lost my respect. Were we honestly supposed to breathe a sigh of relief no men that particular night measured up to her standards? What if a guy had? Were we supposed to sit back and read about it, knowing Liam truly liked her. I felt she tainted her budding relationship with him even before their first date. Talk about a romance buzz kill.

In the blink of an eye, it caused Avery’s character portrayal setup not to match her actions. Besides, this type of behavior doesn’t look good on any main couple character, male or female.

This is quite a shame since I liked Avery’s determination and grit in not just learning but mastering self defense. But Liam deserves better, IMHO, and I sure hope he finds it.

Btw, the way Liam set up meeting Avery was rather far fetched, too.

Overall, the storyline and writing itself just wasn’t turning out like I had hoped. I do recommend this author’s The Weekday Brides series though. Those books were great.

Title: Chasing Shadows, Series: First Wives Club (Book 3), Author: Catherine Bybee, Pages: 316, stand-alone but part of a series, didn’t want to finish, knucklehead heroine.

Book 1 - Fool Me Once
Book 2 - Half Empty
Book 3 - Chasing Shadows

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Avery Grant had a marriage of convenience. It was a contract for a year and beneficial to both of them. Now she’s a wealthy woman and has no desire to marry again, even for love. After her divorce she was brutally attacked and left for dead. Spent weeks in the hospital recovering, and has no memory of what happened. The attack changed her. She meets men and has one night stands but that’s as far as it goes. Then she meets Liam. She feels differently around him and no matter how much she turns him down, he doesn’t give up on her. As the anniversary of her attack nears, Avery starts remembering things about her attacker and goes back to New York to talk to the investigating detective on her case. Finding out that the man that died and was thought to be her attacker was actually someone else. Which means, her attacker is still out there. That’s when Avery decides to take things into her own hands, even thou its a dangerous game she’s playing. Liam is desperate to find her but Avery has not contacted him or any of her girlfriends. Finally the detective in New York contacts her friends letting them know the dangerous game Avery is playing. Will Avery find her attacker, will Liam get to her in time to stop her.
This book had everything. Mystery, love and great sex!

Bybee does it again. The third book in the series is another great installment. Avery and Liam are a great pair that truly deserves their HEA. Other key characters keep moving forward with their story lines. Bybee delivers-looking forward to the next book in the series.

Liam checks every box for a perfect romance hero. He’s a kind-hearted guy who loves and takes care of his sister and adorable niece. He is honest and forthright in his attraction to the heroine, Avery. He sees her take down a guy in a bar and he pursues her acquaintance, even volunteering to spar with her where she is learning krav maga. And he’s good-natured when she lays him out on his rear. He puts up with her hot/cold routine and is willing to put off having sex with her until he thinks the time is right. He gets along with her friends and even charms her cold and unlikeable parents. Oh, and he’s good-looking and hunky. And he cooks! Could this guy be any better? He’s every romance reader’s dream guy.

The problem is that it really isn’t clear why Avery is the lucky recipient of Liam’s undying love. She’s attractive and skilled in her defense skills which she has mastered over the past year since she was attacked and badly injured in a parking garage in New York. Now she’s closed off and focused on her own problems recovering and gaining confidence after the attack. She’s only interested in picking up guys in bars, not a real relationship with a great guy like Liam.

The book starts out as a romance and then spends the last third with Avery obsessively prowling around New York trying to find the guy who attacked her. Her good friend’s husband runs a security/private eye firm, but she won’t ask for help because she is compulsive about standing on her own. We’re told what a great person and friend she is, but I just didn’t see it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

5 Star Review Chasing Shadows (First Wives #3) by Catherine Bybee
There is something about Catherine Bybee’s style of writing that resonates with me. She weaves a story that has me invested from the very start. Although a stand alone I would probably be inclined to read the first two books before reading Chasing Shadows as their stories provide the back story for this book. Avery Grant doesn’t date as she is still mentally recovering from an attack that almost killed her. Now she concentrates on her work as an estate sales agent and learning Krav Maga.
From the first moment Liam and Avery meet, the sparks fly and the air around them sizzles. Ms.Bybee creates characters that are strong, yet vulnerable and you know that there will be plenty of romance and some rather steamy scenes.
Liam is determined to learn everything there is to learn about the mysterious and beautiful Avery. This includes being a sparring partner to Avery as she learns to crotchet herself.
When Avery’s past comes back to haunt her and danger rears it’s ugly head, Liam will do what he has to to protect the woman he has come to care for. I fell hard and fast for Liam, he was so swoon worthy and his interactions with his adorable niece made by heart melt.
It was great to see the other ladies of the first wives club and catch up on their lives as well. I love this group of strong and determined women and I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Please bare with me because I really just want to swoon all over Liam. If I could dedicate this whole review to him, he is worthy BUT I won't cause I gotta say that Avery really surprised me. I should talk about her first cause she has been there from book 1 in the series and Liam is new. Besides, I like to save the best for last anyway.

Ok, so Avery was a character in the first two books that I just wasn't too sure about. She came of a bit shallow, maybe a bit spoiled and a tad bit immature in the first two books. You do also get to see a very protectives side to her when it came to her girls so she did have redeeming qualities. I just wasn't sure how much I was going to like her as a main character.

I really love when an author proves me wrong. Granted Avery experienced a trauma in book 2 which explains some of the shift in her character but she wasn't so different that you didn't recognize her. I liked her a lot. You learn a lot about her background and why she was flighty in the first place. It also explained why she had a hard time letting Liam in.

Now for my favorite part....Liam. Liam is going in to my top favorite heroes. I loved him from the moment he was introduced all the way to the end. I fell farther and farther for him every step of the way. What I loved about him the most is that he took one look at Avery and knew he needed to know her and he wasn't going to stop until he did. One of the best features in a man is knowing what he wants and going after it.

Liam learns right away that Avery is skittish and the way he handled her was perfection. I think I am actually going to be vague about his pursuit. It's something to experience for yourself. I was completely charmed and want to find more heroes just like him. This is one of those books where I could easily start back at the beginning and immediately re-read it. It's safe to say that I recommend it.

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

If you have read the previous First Wives book, you will remember the incident with Avery and how it changed her life. Though these can be read as stand alones, they are all intertwined so you will miss some things if you haven't read the previous two stories.

Now a year past the attack, she is still looking over her shoulder. What she doesn't expect to find over there is love.

Oh My Liam <3 He is just all kinds of lovable right from the start. As much as Liam is attracted to Avery, he is as much a support system for her as a love interest. He is sweet and tender and charming - not to mention hot as!

Out of all the First Wives books, to me this one is the best. The depth, the emotion, I just felt it more with this installment.

I loved seeing more of Lori, Trina and Shannon, as their lives are all woven together.

I laughed, I cried a little, but most of all, along with Avery I felt her hope. Hope for a new beginning. For love. For forever.

Go buy Chasing Shadows, but find your own Liam as I have claimed this one!

Chasing Shadows by Catherine Bybee was excellent. I loved the story and all the characters portrayed. I highly recommend this one! Ms Bybee has a gift for writing excellent stories and this one doesn't disappoint.

This is the third book of the series and so the readers have seen Avery, but I was looking forward to knowing her story. Avery is trying to overcome the brutal attack she endured. Her relationships with her parents and those that have come and gone in her life make her not want a relationship. Yet there's something about Liam that she doesn't want him to just walk away. Liam has no intention of leaving her. Sure, they come from wildly different backgrounds but I liked how he fought for her. He was strong and sure in himself that he didn't run. Avery is a tough nut! She is independent and headstrong. There were some moments that I was annoyed by her, but I enjoyed her story. Her First Wives friends had her best interest in mind and I liked how they got to her. I enjoyed the fact that they liked Liam and wanted to get to know him. I wasn't expecting for the way things developed in this story and I had trouble putting this book down. Be sure not to miss this book!

I really enjoyed book but again was bummed when realized that this was the third book which you come to find out as you read it that there are others which I intend to read, I got a summary by reading the blurbs and reviews of the first to to get a general idea. You can fairly predict what the title is about that something bad had happened to her but I respected her for doing something about it and not just crumpling up.She got a gem in Liam, what a swoon worthy book boyfriend, how he was gentle with her and being just what she needed..Bravo.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Avery had not been the same since her brutal attack. One year later, and she is still haunted by the memories of her attacker. She made attempts to make herself feel safer, but she still needed to confront her issues stemming from that fateful day last year in NY.

Overall, I really enjoyed Avery's story. Watching her fade since her attack was hard, and she didn't seem to be making much progress toward her recovery. Yes, she was physically recovered, but mentally and emotionally, she was just putting bandaids on her wounds.

The first wives were busy celebrating marriages and engagements, and I wanted Avery to be able to find her happy with someone too. That someone came in the form of a fabulous contractor named Liam.

I immediately loved Liam. He was funny and sweet, and exactly the type of person Avery needed to help her begin living again. I thought the interactions between Liam and Avery were fun and flirty, but what really made me love him was seeing him with his sister and his niece. Those two women had him wrapped around their little fingers, and he was more than happy to do their bidding. The love he had for his family was so obvious and wonderful, and I knew right then, that he was a keeper.

As always, the whole gang got some page time, and it is always fun spending quality time with the other first wives and their significant others. It reminds me how lucky they are to have each other, and also, how much mayhem they can get into.

Fun and games aside, I was happy Avery got the closure she needed with respect to her attack. It was a new beginning for her, and allowed her to put quite a few of her inner demons to rest.

My only complaint was that I wish Liam and Avery had more time together on page. I adored these two, and wanted to see them have more fun with each other.

The book had a really cute ending, and there was a lot of groundwork laid for Shannon's story, which I am excited about it.

**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Montlake Romance for an honest review**

This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone book, however you do miss a lot of the friendship and a little of the plot if you do not read the other books first.

The third book follows Avery a year after the previous book finishes and the brutal attack that landed Avery in the ICU.

A slightly changed Avery is forging on with her life and gets an interruption when Liam steps into her life and decides that she is the woman for him. Avery also starts to remember things from her attack that had been missing and starts out her one woman mission for find out more.

The friends all band together when needed, Trina gets married to Wade and Liam proves to Avery that she can count on him when she needs him and that he is not going anywhere.

Really looking to the next book in regards to Shannon and the fact that she has mentioned that she wants kids soon.

Another brilliantly written book that had me finishing the book within a day.

I loved the aptly named Chasing Shadows, Catherine Bybee’s latest addition to her First Wives Series. A year after suffering a vicious attack, Avery Grant is still dealing with the fallout, especially emotionally. She has taken up a particularly nasty form of martial arts to be better able to protect herself and isn’t afraid to call on this training to ward off unwanted physical attention in public. Avery has also been putting up barriers between herself and others since the attack and this only escalates as she begins to remember what truly happened the night of her attack and she realizes her attacker is not dead as believed. Clearly Avery is carrying a great deal of baggage which makes the male interest in the book, Liam Holt, so perfectly written. Liam carries virtually no psychological suitcases and is a rarity—a truly decent man with no hidden agenda beyond taking care of those he cares for, including Avery. This makes him the perfect counterpart for Avery. Though she keeps her guard up and tries to distance herself from him, Liam perseveres in trying to establish a relationship with Avery. 

Among other things, I enjoyed that the book didn’t feel rushed. Avery’s journey from victim to “warrior” isn’t sudden and the relationship between Liam and Avery takes a bit of time. There is an interesting twist towards the end that I enjoyed. While the other “first wives” have roles in this book, the roles are generally small and I actually appreciated that. This book is truly Avery’s story.

I highly recommend this book, especially for those who enjoy romantic suspense and romance in general. It stands alone, though I recommend reading the first two books in the series both for background information and the sheer enjoyment of reading them. I find Catherine Bybee to be an author I happily read for the pure pleasure and readability of her books. 

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are solely my own.

“Chasing Shadows” is about facing challenges and change. All her life, Avery fought against becoming her mother. A woman – prim, proper, and pampered. Mother’s mission in life was to see her daughter married off to a wealthy suitor. However, Avery had plans of her won. First order of business was getting away from mother. Second, was securing her own income. Yet, as fate would have it, she would marry for money. But, on her own terms. Avery became a client of “Alliance,” a matchmaking organization. “Alliance” arranged marriages for men of means who needed brides for numerous reasons. “Alliance” would draw up contracts (excluding any sexual contact) for a couple, agreeing to marry and divorce within a specific time. Upon the fulfillment of the contract, the ex-wife is awarded a substantial financial settlement for services rendered.
After her marriage and divorce, Avery joined the “First Wives” club and became very good friends with three other divorcés: Lori, Katrina, and Shannon. Over time, the women developed a strong bond between them and became best friends.
In book-two, Avery was attacked and was badly injured. In book three, we see Avery trying to restore her life. Due to her injuries, she doesn’t remember much about the attack or her attacker; but bits and pieces start to resurface, leaving her confused and anxious. Meanwhile, Avery’s goal is to no longer be the victim, or merely a survivor. She wants her old life back!
Of course, there’s always the unexpected. Liam saw her, “…the one woman in the place who didn’t belong.” He was drawn to her, and blondes weren’t usually his type. But there was something about her. Avery didn’t notice him until she was leaving the bar. “He wasn’t her type. Too big. Too hard.” But, there was something about him that made her feel a heat she hadn’t felt in almost a year.
The two main characters are as different as night and day. Liam, a gentleman through and through. Raised by a mother who taught him how to treat women. Avery, hardened by barriers she erected to keep her mother out of her life. Avery doesn’t do relationships. She’s more of a love’em and leave’em kind of girl. Liam, on the other hand, wants more. He wants this woman. He wants to be her “plus-one.” Avery’s not sure she wants a “plus-one.” Additionally, she pulls away from friends and family, because of the shadows invading her mind. Determined to face her own demons, she shuts everyone out. Including Liam. Everyone is confused and upset. They want to be a part of Avery’s life again. Will they? And what about Liam? Will he wait for her?
“Chasing Shadows” is a must read! The chase will have you on the edge of your seat!

I really enjoy all of Catherine's books. I had a little bit of trouble with how quickly Liam fell for Avery... very love at first sight when she was not really acting in a way that would encourage someone to have those feelings. I felt like there could have been more explanation of reasons for him to want to go tearing off to help her slay her demons... other than just acting the white knight. But overall, I enjoyed the story and seeing Avery's character develop and grow.

Avery was used to being the life of the party. But that all changed in the blink of an eye. She has become closed off, more careful and reserved. After all she went thru who can blame her. But keeping secrets from her besties isn't something she's used to doing. She doesn't want them to worry. She's a warrior not just a survivor. She can take care of herself. Why shouldn't she learn to protect herself after almost being beaten to death??

Liam couldn't take his eyes off of her. Of all the women in the bar she was the one that caught his eye. And after she handled that jerk of a guy he respects her too. So he makes it impossible not to see her. Volunteering to do some work for her trainer, he doesn't know what to do when he gets thrown into being her mat partner. But he can't resist being close to Avery. That look in her eyes, the panic and fear if only for a split second he wants to erase.

Instant electricity flows through Avery and Liam only making it a matter if time before they become more. But Avery wants fast and he is determined to make her see him as more than she wants. More than she knows. And learning all her secrets makes him love her even more. Can he erase the shadows behind her eyes and bring out her light? Show her love isn't scary and make her his forever?

With each book from this series I think it’s the best one yet…so yeah, this is the best one yet. I never expected to love them as much as I do but dang, they just keep getting better and better until I can’t get enough of them.

We learned about Avery in the previous books and I was really curious to find out what her full story was going to look like. While you don’t necessarily have to read them, there is some background information to help you understand more fully what she has been through. She has definitely developed into one tough heroine and I loved how this author had her “chasing shadows” and the ultimate outcome of the chase. Color me surprised…and pleased.

I am a huge fan of Liam. He was just so perfect. He instinctively knew what would cause Avery to run and he avoided those things at all cost even as he slowly courted her and pulled her into his life. There was the potential for a lot of push and pull but that’s not what we got and again I was a happy reader.

I loved watching Liam and Avery together as they practiced krav maga together. The fact that even then Liam didn’t want to hurt her, while knowing practicing these skills was for her benefit, made me love him. I adored each time I got his point of view and he absolutely made my heart swoon. I rarely swoon.

I don’t think this is a fast paced story but I really don’t know. Once I started I couldn’t stop. I found myself devouring every word and then suddenly it was the end and I just wanted more. Also, I was so wrapped up in the relationship Liam was building with Avery that the steam factor didn’t really stick out to me. But I assure you, it was there. All the women from the first wives club is present as well as some new characters that helped to add depth to this hero and heroine as they interacted with each other. There was one little villainy type situation that had me scratching my head because it didn’t go anywhere. Either I completely misread it, the character may come up in a later book, or it is simply a loose end.

Overall, this is a wonderful book with some great romancing-the-heroine romance as well as a bit of mystery. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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

The first wives novels are awesome and I love the appearance of the other women I this book. It wraps up the series nicely.

I would say I enjoyed the book, but didn’t love the book.

Very much enjoyed seeing the follow up in the characters from previous book although Inwoyld say you don’t need to have read the previous books to follow this one.

The H was yummy. I thought the intersection between the H and h was good, good dialogue and the conflict believable. I thought the back 1/3rd drug a bit, but again overall enjoyed it.

My husband: Whatcha going to do today?
Me: Laundry and cleaning - I'm totally getting the house clean today...I think I'll sit and read a couple of pages of the new Bybee book I have first though...
Me 4 hours later: Well, I had good intentions, but Avery and Liam needed me to read their story start to finish.
Truth be told, Avery is my least favorite of the First Wives Club. A professed player who didn't have much direction in life other than making sure she had enough money to fund her shopping excursions, I found her hard to root for in the beginning. By the end of Trina and Wade's book though she was slowly coming around and now she has found herself a successful career while trying to recover from her attack in the last book. She seems to have matured to some degree, but she claims she does not want to get married and be like her pretentious parents.
Liam starts off being semi-stalkerish, but he is a really good guy. I loved his family and hope his sister gets her own HEA one day. He practices a fair amount of patience given some of Avery's issues - especially with trust and unable to say I love you.
Overall, another winner from Bybee. The romance is a slow build and I did love Liam's support of Avery as she confronted her memories and found happiness with him. Her parents reaction to meeting Liam is hilarious and yay - Samantha and Blake make an appearance. Their story is still one of my faves!!

I can't wait for Shannon's story! I need it!!! Not want it - I need it!!! But then, the series will be over. I'm so torn...

Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.