I received an advanced copy for an honest review of Chasing Shadows. This has been my favorite of Catherine's new series. Avery's evolution of her character is a major one and it flows well. I like seeing her transformation. The love story is sweet and compelling. The suspense is great and the twists and turns the story takes kept me turning the page constantly. I couldn't put the book down and read it through most of the night! I'm looking forward to reading Shannon's story next.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Catherine Bybee is one of my go-to authors and Chasing Shadows is a prime example why. She always finds a way to keep her stories fresh and exciting and also keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wait (most likely impatiently!) to find out what happens to our hero and heroine!

Avery Grant endured a brutal attack and was left for dead. She's physically healed from the encounter, but emotionally, she's not quite there yet. She's taking steps to make herself stronger by taking Krav Maga classes, as she's made herself a promise that she will never be in the position where anyone can hurt her again.

When Liam Holt sees Avery for the first time at a local bar, he's intrigued, but isn't able to get her number. The contractor uses his sleuthing skills and notices the studio name where Avery practices her Krav Maga. Surely there is something at the studio that needs fixing, right?! He's definitely smitten with Avery after their first encounter and he can only hope that his tenacity will pay off in the end.

As Avery and Liam spend more time together, both in the Krav Maga studio and outside, their bond continues to grow and while Avery continues to deal with the aftereffects of her attack, Liam continues to show her that she can rely on him. When Avery finds herself in danger following revelations about the man who attacked her a year earlier, everything that she thought was beginning to be part of her past is brought right back to the forefront. Will she end up putting not only herself, but the First Wives Club members and Liam in jeopardy?

What I loved about this book is it was what Bybee does best - she gives you a fantastic romance with strong female characters who stand up for themselves and aren't afraid to fight, both figuratively and literally, when they need to. I also really enjoyed Avery's journey of self-discovery. She learned more about herself as she had to face the resurfacing of the dark times surrounding her attack, but also her feelings toward love and where that fits in her life. Another awesome addition to the First Wives Club series!

What a great read!! I have been waiting for Avery’s book and was not disappointed. Could not put the book down once I started reading it. The suspense had me drawn to the book. Loved the chemistry between Liam and Avery. Liam just seemed to know what Avery needed to form a relationship and he gave it to her. Avery was a hard one to get through to and really watched out for all her friends. Really great to see the other girls from the “First Wives Club”. Great to see that Avery found closure on her attack and got her HEA. Especially liked how she handled the closure by giving someone a “second chance”. Love all of Catherine’s books and this was one of my favorites!!

I have read every book and this series and they just keep getting better. This book is about Avery and Liam. Avery is hard not to like. She is so in your face but she also has her baggage. Liam was absolutely perfect for Avery and her craziness.

Avery was attacked the previous year. She was almost beaten to death and was in ICU for a week. Avery doesn't want this to happen herself so she starts taking Krav Maga. Her instructor does not cut her any slack and constantly stays on her case. After class one day Avery goes to a bar down the street with another Krav Maga student. Liam is there and the instant she walks in he is captivated by her. While she is at the bar a guy hits on her and she uses some moves from her class. She takes the guy down, pays her bill and then leaves. All this takes place while her friend is in the bathroom. Liam ends up talking to her friend. He get Avery's name and figures out that she takes classes at the Power Up Krav Maga..

Liam goes to Power Up and he figured out Avery didn't do group classes and she did privates. He told the owner Brenda he would cut her a deal that worked with her budget if he did the job in the evenings. . Liam actually is contractor and owner of his on Construction business. Liam tells Brenda he can only come in on certain days and times, which happen to coincide with Averys private lessons. Liam figures this out by "accidentally" knocking over her appointment book. During Averys next private lesson he makes sure he is working in the same room Avery's lesson is. Brenda and Avery disagree about the fact that Avery is doing better. Brenda says she isn't because she will not spar with anyone. Avery insists she can handle herself and could take on Liam. So Brenda has Liam and try and attack Avery. This interaction isnt exactly how Liam wants to get to know her but he at least is getting to know her. Brenda tells Avery if she can take Liam three times in a row she will get off Averys case about needing to be in a group setting and not just private lessons. Avery doesn't manage to effectively overtake LIam three times. She gets mad and goes to the lockers. Liam goes after her and they have a short conversation which makes want to learn more about her. So Liam finds himself enrolled in group classes and Avery's sparring partner on Tuesday and Thursday, all approved by Brenda.

Avery and Liam go for drinks after their first real class together. Liam pretty much lays his cards out with Avery. She tells him, she is a bad bet. Which only makes Liam want to prove her wrong. The story progresses and Liam eventually meets Averys friends and slowly starts to make progress with their relationship and figuring her out.

This was a great book. I loved it. It is written with dual POV, suspense and closure/acceptance for Avery. I cant wait for the next book in this series. I also loved how the author brought all the other characters in from the previous books in this series.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

A BIG thank you for allowing me to read this book ahead of time. Since I received ARC I am asked for my honest opinion. I love Catherine Bybee,, Chasing Shadows is the 3rd book in the First Wives series and probably my favorite so far, Catherine is at her best. and does not disappoint I have loved Avery from the very beginning. It is going to take a very special man to work his way into her life and heart, Liam is the perfect fit. Avery is working her way through her brutal attack in New York last year and is trying to deal with the after affects the only way she knows how and that is to take control. So, she takes up kick boxing to learn how to defend her self. You will want to enroll in one of these classes too. .The story has some twists and turns and you will love how the romance develops. This book can be read as a stand alone even thou it is part of a series but better if you have knowledge of her friends, they are amazing and you will want them for friends too. I predict that you will absolutely what to read the other books in the series.. Highly recommend this book and any by Catherine.

Book Three of The First Wives Club- I'm hooked on this series!

It's now Avery's turn and if you were fortunate enough to have read book two (if not- you are missing out) you will recall that Avery suffered a terrible attack that left her in ICU pretty battered. She is determined never to be a victim again and has taken up krav mag. Avery hasn't disclosed this to her friends as she thinks they don't realize how traumatized she was after her accident.

Liam is instantly attracted to Avery and finds himself working at her gym and soon enough enlisted as her defense training partner. He makes it clear to Avery he is attracted yet he senses she has a troubled past that will require him to handle Avery with kid gloves. Avery is well taken with Liam too, only she doesn't trust as easily anymore. With the anniversary of her attack looming, Avery soon finds herself chasing the shadow of her past- determined to unearth the truth. Avery doesn't trust well and leaves everyone in the dark, especially Liam, on her path to discovery. Danger is ever close when she puts herself in bad situations. Avery must learn to open herself up to not only her friends, but to Liam, or risk losing him forever.

Chasing Shadows was a hot romance with Avery and Liam, yet takes you on Avery's journey on self-discovery and forgiveness- not only of herself but of her attacker.

Avery Grant can’t get over the fear after her attack last year. She decides to protect herself by taking self defence classes where she somehow finds herself put up against the mesmerising Liam. But Avery won’t let anyone in meaning Liam has to try his hardest to get through her barriers. Enjoyable instalment from Catherine’s new series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Catherine Bybee at her best. A gripping tale, the most recent in the First Wives series. This book has a very different storyline with twists and turns as it progresses. Fascinating characters and a romance threaded through. A must for fans of this genre. Although part of a series where it was great to welcome back ‘old friends’, this book could also be read standalone. I can almost guarantee that any reader doing this would want to follow on by reading the earlier books.

Holy PTSD. Was she mugged? An abusive husband?

Omigod, Leslie. I'm so sorry

Attagirl. See, stalker-y Liam, she didn't need you.

Yeesh, her mother is a piece of work.

I'm with Avery. Whoa there, Shannon. Marriage will happen eventually.

She used to be slutty, apparently.

Haha!

Leaving her phone at home was stupid.

Whoa, fancy. He will never be able to fly coach again.

Wow, how much did six orchids cost him?

Did she remember something about her attacker's tattoos?

These college students are great, and very talented.

How does she know which clubs to visit?

For the love of Pete. She's acting like a big baby. All her friends want to do is help.

Sasha might be scary, but she's good people.

I honestly don't know what she should do. The kid didn't know what he was doing.

Go get 'em. Sheldon. Give that desk what-for.

Good for you, Brenda.

Oy, Adeline.

I lost another night of sleep when this book popped up on my Netgalley approval list!!!! But then, I always lose sleep when a new Catherine Bybee book is released because I just can't put her books down.

Book three in the First Wives Club, Chasing Shadows, deals with ex-wife Avery Grant. In the book 2, we saw her viciously attacked and left for dead. It's a year later and rich party girl Avery has undergone some changes - and more than just the new nose she was given after the the attack.

A disciple of Krav Maga now, Avery is one beautiful bad ass woman and no one is ever going to hurt her again. She's always protected her heart but now she protects her body as well. Enter LIam, a contractor with a heart of gold, abs of steel and resolve of concrete. He's not going to let the best thing that's ever come into his life - Avery - go, despite her prickly ways.

Avery's memory of the attack has been absent for this past year, but when snippets of it come back, she is determined to ensure the man responsible is punished. Going back to the scene of the crime puts her in danger, and the ex-wives and Liam are having none of it.

As I said, I read this book in one sitting because it was unput-downable! Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for allowing me a sneak peak. 5 uber-worthy stars from me and I wish I could give it more! Can't wait for the next installment!!!