Max is living his ordinary life when out of know where he gets to know that he is an heir to multibillion fortune and has siblings he didn’t know of.
As if that wasn’t enough an adorable and sexy woman is after him to write his story. Sarah works in tabloid but her career is in jeopardy because she refuses to write anything else besides the truth.
Together Sarah and Max uncover his story and how his mother abandoned him. Though working together their attraction builds and we get a beautiful love story.

Sarah and Max are not your typical reporter trying to get the scoop on the previously unknown heir to a fortune. Max knew almost immediately who and what Sarah was and that provided a sort of balance to the relationship they started. They made a great team that developed into something more, which was beautifully developed. Having his siblings appear as a substantial part of this book instead of being relegated to the background, was also refreshing and added to the continuity of their overall saga. I can't wait for Alex's story to bring it all together. Highly recommended.
#netgalley

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Max had a rough life and learns some news that has him reeling. He finds he does have a family but due to his background he isn’t too thrilled by them and feels like they are intruding.

Sarah is told to write a story about the Stones and their new found brother but she gets more than just a story after meeting Max and spending more time with him.

Lots of conflict and scenes of Max finding his family and learning to love in that capacity. Nice read.
3.5 stars

Amazing story. The characters are realistic as is the storyline. Max a boy who went through the Foster Care system is an honorable man. Sarah is a reporter at a tabloid newspaper but refuses to lie to get a story. There is drama, angst, family ties, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I look forward to reading future books by Ms Bybee.

The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee is an emotional romance centered on Maximilian “Max” Smith, a rugged, self-made man from a foster background who discovers he’s the heir to a billionaire business empire. Max’s strong, alpha personality and rough edges make him a memorable and complex character, while his protective and occasionally vulnerable sides add depth to his appeal. Sarah, a journalist with a warm, sassy personality, enters his life by chance and quickly becomes his steady support amid media chaos and corporate intrigue.

When Max’s half-siblings reveal his true parentage, he struggles to reconcile his past as a foster child with his newfound identity as a wealthy heir. Though initially skeptical, Max leans on Sarah, who is both his confidante and emotional anchor as he navigates the pressures of wealth and family. Their chemistry is electric, and Sarah’s kindness and moral integrity balance Max’s intense nature, creating a touching connection. Through love, trust, and resilience, Max and his new family find healing together in this heartfelt and beautifully written romance.

I loved book one in this series and couldn’t wait for this book. Siblings, Chase and Alex Stone’s father, Aaron, dies and leaves his multibillion dollar business to his children. One catch—there’s a sibling they didn’t know about…Max Smith.

This is his story.

When Max learns and finally accepts that Aaron Stone was his father, it didn’t change him at all. He wants to find his mother that took Aaron’s child support, but abandoned him.

Sarah McNeilly is a reporter working at a tabloid. She is told by her boss to get the story on Max Smith and Aaron Stone or lose her job. I love her integrity. She won’t tell lies to get the story. Max and Sarah’s meet was memorable and their banter was so fun. And boy did they have chemistry!

I can’t wait for Alex’s story next!

Thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another winner!

This book is the second in The Heirs series, and focuses on Max. Max grew up in foster homes after his mother died (at least that's what he was told). He is used to surviving on his own, finding his own way and making do with his life. When two strangers show up at his door claiming to be his half-siblings, he doesn't believe them.

Sarah is a tabloid reporter who has been assigned to track down Max Smith and find out what his relationship is to Aaron Stone, recently dead billionaire. An unexpected meeting puts her into Max's orbit, and discoveries await.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship move from distrust to more. The couples in Ms. Bybee's books are responsible, honest, hardworking individuals who truly care for and support their partners. Really good lessons.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

<b>Oh I fell hard and fast for Max! He brings the best of book boyfriend club here. He went from being the blue collar worker coming from foster system to being the forgotten heir of a business empire worthy of billions. His alpha personality, his rugged vibes, his sexy possessiveness and protectiveness, his broken sides..everything came together to create an irresistible and unforgettable hero. Sarah's sweet and heartfelt personality with a hidden but strong sassy side made her a perfect contradiction to and a perfect match for Max. The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee is a beautifully written heartfelt and emotional romance that will win you easily.</b>

Maximilian Smith thought it's a joke when his half siblings from a billionaire father appear at his humble home's doorstep. It's a mix of extremely confusing feels for him. He thought his parents are dead, he suffered through the foster system for years and he brought back himself from the edge of getting lost in the system all by his will power. The money didn't really faze him. He has this commanding presence and bossy alpha attitude that didn't depend on his bank status.

Sarah entered his life by pure fate as she was caught snooping around for her story. She may work for a tabloid but she has her own moral standard and honesty. She could have exploited the trust Max showed but she became his support system instead. Max appears to be emotionally unavailable but Sarah got under his skin and deep in his heart. It was pure chaos and mayhem with media circus and corporate games. Sarah was a place of calm and comfort in middle of this. Their chemistry was insane and Max is pretty demanding in bed too! My heart was aching for all the pain he went through and I was amazed how he still turned out to be the best man possible. I love how the family came together and healed so many wounds.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫. Pub Date is November 12.

This reminds me of a cross between a Hallmark movie and (a more saccharine) Dynasty. Second in the series, I haven’t read the first one and had no problem following this and figuring out what happened. Characters are likable with morals, a little drama but I would have liked a little more. Found family, rags to riches. The ending definitely sets up the reader for Book 3. This is a lighter drama than I’m use to, but I found it enjoyable enough. Little spice, quick read, nice distraction from heavier books. Might just be tempted to read Book 1 and continue with the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

I absolutely adore Catherine Bybee’s books! And I’m loving this series so far. And I really hope there is more to come in this world.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee is a contemporary romance that skillfully weaves in profound themes of adoption, foster care, and abandonment. Though light-hearted in tone, the story offers readers a glimpse into how childhood trauma can affect individuals as they grow.

This is the second book in the series and picks up right where the last left off. While avoiding spoilers, I’d suggest reading the series in order for full context. Max, a blue-collar worker, and Sarah, a magazine reporter, are brought together under unique circumstances that draw them closer.

I immensely enjoyed this book! The author’s foreword thoughtfully sets the book's tone, and the theme of found family is truly heartwarming. I also appreciated the inclusion of Alex, Chase, and Piper in the story. I’m especially looking forward to seeing Alex’s story arc unfold in the next book.

Thank you to the author, over the river pr and netgalley for the egalley of this book!

Much like the first book in this series, this had a good storyline.
Again the characters were likable and new additions were interesting. I like the evolving relationship between the half sibling.
The romantic side of the story was slow to start but sweet and not major focus of the book. Look forward to the ext book in this series.
A quick and easy read.
3.5 stars

Bybee is pouring on the angst with the second book in The Heirs series and I loved every single minute! We knew in Chase's book that things were about to get good with the discovery of a secret sibling, but I never expected Max to be so darn fine! He's my favorite so far because there's just something about a rugged working man! The story was intense and Bybee weaved a very believable story and reaction. The plot was well developed with emotion, romance and a sweet happily ever after topping it all off. I can't wait for Alex's story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a family centric plot with the drama of obligation being the starting point as each sibling finds their forever love with lots of sass along the way.

So good! Had all the elements of a feel good story. Instantly connected w the characters and was brought into the story line. Easy read. Pick this one up!

I truly enjoy this series and was so excited to get approved for this 2nd book in the series.
This book picked up from the end of the first book and did not disappoint. We meet the surprise brother, see the announcement and then all that they have to deal with as that comes out. We also get to see the siblings build their relationship and meet another few characters who will be happily welcomed into this family. I love to see that the family is growing and despite their Dad being a terrible person that his kids are building something great from what he left behind.

Thank you again to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read another arc in this series. I loved it.

I love this Series!
Catherine Bybee brings us a series with mystery, romance, and family drama, The Forgotten One, is a wonderful addition to The Heirs series. As a fan of Bybee's books, I found this to be a delightful continuation filled with my favorite characters with the additional of some new ones and a story that keeps you wanting more and more. We are back with Alex, Chase, and Piper as they try to convince the missing heir and their brother, Max, that he is the son of Aaron Stone. Max is thrust into a whirlwind of unexpected wealth and new found family. His transition from ordinary construction worker to a wealthy man is meet with humility and strength. Then he meets Sarah McNielly, a dedicated reporter in the tabloid business who prides herself on uncovering and reporting the truth rather than gossip. Her latest assignment is to investigate the connection between the construction worker, Maximillian Smith, and the late hotel mogul, Aaron Stone. As Sarah has several run ins with Max she soon finds that this assignments has more complications then she could image. However, the chemistry between Max and Sarah is one that neither one of them can deny and it adds an extra layer of tension and excitement. The search for Max's mom and how he ended up as an orphan and not knowing his real family keeps you turning the pages as he searches for answers all while becoming closer to his new family and Sarah. Max and Sarah are both a wonderful addition to The Heirs series and now we need some happiness for Alex. I can't wait to see what Catherine Bybee has in store for her, I know whatever it is it will be AMAZING!

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Feel-good family drama

Max was a regular working man living alone and doing his job with a few groans and curses. Suddenly, he is the heir to an ultra-rich dead man and is worthy of billions. Max isn’t sure what he wants but whatever he decides, the press and business partners will not let him stay low.
Sarah is a rare find in the tabloid industry and writes nothing but truth even if it means skipping deadlines. Turns out, this trait is what her boss wants when he assigns her to find out more about the elusive Maximillian Smith.
For Max, Sarah is a useful person to control the narrative when the truth comes out. For Sarah, Max is a way to retain her job. As the two try to fill gaps in his past, they have to deal with their feelings for each other as well as the increasing pressure from the press.
The story comes mostly in Max and Sarah’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The story seems to continue from the previous book, but I could follow it without issues. While the central plot is resolved, book #3 will neatly tie up the loose ends.
It’s a low-stakes read with many feel-good vibes and works on the premise that good things will happen to good people. I like that there isn’t unwanted drama or angst except for what’s necessary. This may not work for everyone but it suited me just fine.
Romance naturally gets a good share of space. It’s got some steam but less than 2 stars with much detail being left to the reader’s imagination.
This is in equal parts (or more) a family drama. The side characters (Chase, Piper, and Alex) are easy to like. Makes sense since the first book belonged to Chase and Piper. The next should be Alex’s. I’m curious to see who she’ll be paired with.
The dual POV works well to give us both perspectives. While Max sometimes sounds off, he has his reasons and shows good progress as the plot moves ahead. Sarah is a good character and never gives readers a chance to doubt her integrity.
The book starts with a short author’s note and a personal anecdote about foster systems. This is one of the major themes, though it doesn’t overshadow the rest. We get details in bits and pieces, which add depth to the MMC’s arc.
The pacing feels a bit uneven but it is a pretty quick read overall. I could finish it in a couple of sittings, though the page count is around 380. The little bits of humor and sass contribute to the fun levels.

To summarize, The Forgotten One is an entertaining and heartwarming book about finding one’s family and being open to accepting new blessings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Netgalley and I'm so glad I did. I loved reading Max's story. I just love how Catherine Bybee takes a idea and runs with it. Then she creates depth with her story and characters by giving them solid backgrounds and continues to have them grow. I also love that she intertwines previous characters from her past books. It's the best because you already love the characters and you're seeing a glimpse of how much they've grown since the last time you read about them. Jack and Jesse are one of the first books I read by Catherine Bybee, "Not Quite Dating" and one of the reasons I love reading her books. Her books are instant buy for me. My favorite part was in the epilogue at the very end. It was the best! I look forward to reading Alex the story and any other books that Catherine baby rights.

Following on from "All Our Tomorrows" which was released earlier this year, "The Forgotten One" takes off where that story ended.

Chase and Alex have succeeded in finding their half brother - Max, but even if he believed them, which he doesn't, he is not really interested in a public life.

So far the tabloids have not got wind of the story, but it looks like someone has been talking to one of them... Sarah is working for one of the gossip rags and she's asked by her boss to find the story or lose her job. Problem is that Sarah refuses to make things up. She's hoping for a serious career and don't want to write any stories which may stop her from getting a job with one of the proper papers.

Max and Sarah literally bump into each other and after a bit of lies and tension, they work together to control the story, carefully working their way through the many obstacles set in their path.

I liked how Chase, Alex and Max work together, how Max finds his place and how his relationship with Sarah develops. I am looking forward to the final instalment in the series, as there are still loose ends.

Oh my! What a wonderful story! I simply couldn't put this book down until Max told us his story
I was drawn in immediately and loved every minute of it.
Max just didn't realize how blessed and lucky he is.
Lots of wonderful characters that I really enjoyed in getting to know but I think Max will be my favorite.
I love how he handles the things that are thrown at him especially his newfound position in life.
I can't say as I blame him at first though. I can't even imagine coming into all that he has learned wow!
Bybee will be added to my list of favorites. She's awesome.
5 stars from for this heartfelt novel that left me feeling full and satisfied.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.