REVIEW: Chasing Shadows by Catherine Bybee

In Chasing Shadows (First Wives #3) by Catherine Bybee, The past year has been a tough one for Avery Grant. Beginning with a horrific attack that left her in the ICU for a week–and which required plastic surgery to fix the damage to her poor face–she’s been taking back her life, one step at a time. She’s building a career in estate sales which boosts not only her bank account but also gives her something to focus on daily. And then there’s the self defense classes that have shown Avery just what she is capable of. When she starts sparring at the gym with a local contractor, Liam Holt, she’s attracted, yes, but so not ready for anything serious. One look in his eyes, though, and she knows it would probably be just that.

“Something tells me pursuing my attraction isn’t going to be easy. Not from a woman who has no problem kicking my ass…repeatedly.”

But Liam is tough to resist. As Avery slowly lets down her guard around him, he proves he’s a thoughtful, sexy, kind guy who will be there to care for and protect her at a moment’s notice. Her aversion to the L-word, and to relationships in general, makes Avery skittish as things start getting serious with Liam. And with new memories of her attack surfacing as the one year anniversary looms close, she takes off on a search for answers–without telling her friends or even Liam. Finding herself yet again in harm’s way and at her lowest point in the past twelve months, will Avery be able to resolve her issues without anyone’s help? Or will she need Liam and the members of the First Wives Club to help her deal with the fallout?

“Men don’t admit that they are players to the women they hook up with. Me? I’m honest about it. Makes it a whole lot easier to avoid that plus-one thing.”
“And if the guy wants more?”
Avery smirked. “I haven’t met him.”
Liam was silent until she looked up.
“Yes, you have.”

A novel about female empowerment, putting the past to rest, and of course, finding The One, Chasing Shadows shows Catherine Bybee at her best–putting her characters through their paces while making her readers smile, laugh, gasp and sigh accordingly.

‘She was a warrior.
Which was a hell of a lot better than being a victim.’

I am so loving this First Wives series! Catherine Bybee is an auto-buy author for me anyway, but there’s something quite special about the relationship these female characters have together. It’s the kind of friendship I think most women strive for; to have friends you can turn to for anything, whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, to walk you through the tough times, or to share the happy moments…and bring the wine. (lol) And Avery, lovingly known as the “blond pit bull”, went through a huge metamorphosis here. She was first a victim then a survivor in book two, Half Empty, only to become a warrior woman in this installment who could totally defend herself, thank you very much. And I adored Avery’s transformation. I will mention that this book can be read as a standalone, although to get the full impact of what she endured, first reading book two would be better.

Previous books in the series gave us glimpses of Avery’s tenacity and painted her as a woman who had a penchant for the finer things, although she was relatively down to earth. I love that mixture, which proved helpful when she met Liam. I liked the two of them together from the get-go. Avery wasn’t put off by the fact that Liam was a contractor who did well, but it wasn’t the level of success or wealth she grew up with. The same could be said for him, as he wasn’t intimidated by Avery’s money or the social circles she moved in. But that simply spoke to the wonderful, attentive man Liam was. I’m glad that wasn’t one of the issues focused on here. It felt more realistic that her aversion to relationships–and her attack the year before–were the sticking points for Avery. It was both comical and heartfelt the way her friends and Liam helped her deal with everything, which of course was peppered with Bybee’s phenomenally crafted dialogue I’ve come to expect.

Chasing Shadows was an emotional journey for our heroine–and us readers tagging along for the ride. With one of my new favorite heroes, Liam, lighting up the pages with his charm and sexiness, Catherine Bybee created an exciting, genuine story worthy of any romance fan’s keeper shelf.
 

Book Info:

Publication: November 13th 2018 | by Montlake Romance | First Wives #3

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 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.