An Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller.Falling in love can come with the most unexpected risks in this First Wives novel from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee.Avery Grant doesn’t date. Her first marriage was a mutually beneficial contract that gave her the financial freedom she needed to step away from her controlling parents. Wealthy and single, the last thing she’s … parents. Wealthy and single, the last thing she’s looking for is love sneaking in to mess up her life plans. And after a brutal attack, she’s determined to never be vulnerable again, even if the new man in her life helps her feel safe.
Mesmerized from the moment he sets his eyes on Avery, Liam is driven to learn everything about this tough, sexy, challenging woman. Breaking down her defenses won’t be easy, but Liam refuses to be pushed away. All he needs is a tiny crack in Avery’s armor to wiggle his way into her heart.
But when a terrifying lie about her attacker’s fate comes to light, Avery’s past returns to haunt her. Now she’s willing to put herself in danger to get the answers she needs. That means jeopardizing the best thing that’s ever happened to her: Liam.
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Honestly, Avery made me want to scream through most of this book. While she seemed like a strong, independent woman on the outside, inside she was a mess of emotions, contradictions and pain. I think that inner turmoil is why I didn’t give up on her. But frankly, it was hard…especially after she met Liam, who’s a freaking dreamboat and way too good for Avery, since I’m already being brutally honest. After she went trolling in bars, just because that’s what she does and nothing’s gonna change that ( her attitude, not a reflection of my thoughts).I wanted Liam to run far and fast in the other direction.
Having read book two in the First Wived Club series, I knew the demons she was wrestling with, which made me keep reading. Without that background, a new reader to the series might be confused, so if you’re jumping in here at book three, be forewarned. If you have been following along, we see the other members of the club and their guys, but I think there was less face-time than in book two. I am anxious to red Shannon’s book next, because I think her talks with Avery gave me more insight into her, also.
And then their was the suspense. That came out of nowhere for me, but I liked that part the best (except for crazy hot Liam). The outcome also surprised me, which is hard to do…I think I should have been a PI!!
All in all, I liked Chasing Shadows and recommend it. While not my favorite series by Bybee, I always appreciate her writing style and depth of characters. Judging from other reviews, others do, too
Loved this book, Avery is one tough female but still is fighting her demons from an attack a year ago. She is trying to move forward in her life by taking a martial arts class where she meets Liam. Oh, how I love Liam!! Avery has now decided to close the book on her past but she needs to find her attacker. Even if it means she has to return to where the attack took place, and she wouldn’t give up until he is found.
This is a book that I could not put down. Avery is a strong female, she is a warrior. I was so relieved when she realized what she has with Liam. Their chemistry is off the charts. My true love though, is Liam. Loved, loved him!! A wonderful brother/uncle to his single sister and his niece ( just adorable). Loved how he didn’t give up on Avery.
I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the First Wives stories!
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.
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!
Chasing Shadows is the third book in the First Wives series by the fabulous Catherine Bybee. I’m loving this series about these strong, funny, loyal women and the men who fall for them. We’ve met Avery before. The blonde pitbull has been through a lot in her life. Not the happiest of childhoods, a fake marriage and then being attacked. She’s lost some of her light but she’s trying to get her life back. She’s learning krav to defend herself and when using those skills catches the eye of Liam her life is about to change. Liam is instantly attracted to Avery and he swindles his way into her krav classes and into her life. Avery isn’t looking for a man or love. Definitely not anything permanent. And she really doesn’t like Liam. He’s big, built, handsome and funny. Wait, why doesn’t she like him? Oh yeah, he’s pushy. But he’s determined to change her mind. He’s going to help her even if he gets his butt kicked. He’s also going to show her there are good men who want more. And he wants much more. All of a sudden they are dating! Avery is in denial, but her attraction to Liam is off the charts. When she gets news about her attacker, she runs alone to try to find out what really happened. Turns out she doesn’t really want to be alone and when Liam shows up to be with her, her life feels safe again. She didn’t see him coming, but she’s not letting go now. I loved this story! I wasn’t sure about Avery is the previous books. She was a little harsh and mouthy, but now that we get to see into her life, I understand more about her. And Liam. Wow. I love everything about him. His handsome and sexy, but he’s also a loving brother and uncle and son. He values family and he’s loyal. He’s a go with the flow type of guy who works with his hands and is successful. I loved watching him meet the other women and his reaction to their status, wealth and partners. Overall, I laughed, teared up, swooned and enjoyed the ride. I can’t wait for Shannon’s story!
Another incredible story in Catherine Bybee’s First Wives series! I’m a huge fan of Ms. Bybee and this book is a perfect example of why. Her characters are flawed, believable, and feel like our friends. She crafts stories that pull you in right from the start and hold you captivated. This book is all that and more. Liam and Avery have chemistry that sizzles the pages but Avery’s past has her fighting the attraction. Liam won’t give up on her though. He knows Avery is worth the fight. Their story is one you don’t want to miss. Put it on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I happened to stumble on this series not too long ago so when I saw this book was available for review I crossed my fingers I was approved to review. This series y’all…these women! So each of them have been married once before. This is how they met. During the First Wives series each of the four women have their own book detailing their HEA.
Chasing Shadows features Avery. She’s everyone’s cheerleader but doesn’t allow them to cheer for her. This book details her overcoming her fears, finding answers, and falling in love for the very first time. At some points in this book you’re going to want to shake Avery into getting her head on straight, or at least I did. I rooted for Liam the whole book. Hoping he’d be able to break through her defenses and get her to open her eyes as to what was right in front of her.
I enjoyed this book. There’s something to say about a woman fighting to find herself after a traumatic event and come out on top. In the meantime finding her “Prince Charming” and being able to fall in love with him. I hope you like this story as much as I did. I found the book to be captivating and wanted the best for each of these two characters.
I didn’t think this series could get any better after the last one but I was wrong, this one tops the last. Avery is definitely a warrior, not just a survivor! Oh, and Liam. When we get the first glimpse of him in Pugs Bar, I thought he was going to be a problem but oh, he is so much more, he is her redemption, just what she needed at this point in her life. The First Wives come together for Trina’s wedding and, much to Avery’s chagrin, Liam is invited into the fold and exposed to group and what it will take to be in Avery’s life. Chasing Shadows is perfectly told so we are brought along with Avery as she recovers from the devastating attack and now nearly a year later what after learning to fight and survive and now her memories are coming back and with this she takes her fate into her hands and disappears to New York City to find her attacker herself. Will Liam let her go or will he rally the troops when he finally discovers she has disappeared? Oh, this was so good and I couldn’t put it down. This one could be read as a standalone, as all in this series, but why would you want to do that!
I definitely recommend this one!
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!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) 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.