REVIEW: The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee

In The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee, Coming from a very traditional (read: Old School) Italian family, Salena Barone never thought she’d finally figure out a way to move out of her parents’ home without them disowning her. Because she’s not looking to go the marriage and babies route they’re pushing her towards. Salena is happy to work long hours as the new manager at D’Angelos restaurant, live in the guest apartment on the top floor, and get a few hours a week at a local dance studio. Then she meets Ryan Rutledge at a friend’s wedding. Suddenly, Salena’s packed schedule feels like a hindrance as she longs for time with the sexy tattooed man. She knows with their insane chemistry they could have a whole lot of fun. But as they get to know each other and feelings enter the mix, Salena’s not sure she’s ready to let go of her independence quite yet–or to explain the hobby she’s trying to turn into a lucrative side career.

“Dating can lead to emotional attachment. And that gets messy.”
“What about friends with a possible benefit package?” he asked.
“That depends on the package.”
Ryan tossed his head back and laughed.

Ryan might have been raised in a rich family complete with fancy houses and shiny new cars, but he’s always been the one Rutledge who never cared about their wine business. He’s more in tune with helping out local businesses and turning his good fortune into a way to give back. Which makes it doubly hard when Ryan meets Salena. He’s never met a more driven, capable, stunningly gorgeous woman in his life. Knowing that he has the monetary resources to help her and also knowing that she won’t accept a handout is frustrating–but Ryan is sure Salena will succeed at anything she sets her mind to. When his interest in her makes a swift turn into love territory, he’ll have to decide if settling down together is something they can compromise on without either of them giving up their own pursuits in life. Because Ryan would never want to inhibit Salena’s freedom–or her free spirit.

‘Salena tasted like whiskey and sin…and Ryan was way past thirsty.’

THE WHOLE TIME is truly a story to cherish. Filled with the warmth–and challenges–of close-knit families as well as a stellar romantic pairing, Catherine Bybee tugged on our heartstrings one more time in her final D’Angelos book.

“I expected this to be harder,” she told him.
“What?”
“This. You and I. Someone accepting my choices and still sticking around.”
“That’s what love is about, isn’t it? Sticking around during the hard parts.”
“What *what* is about?”
“Salena…I love you,” he whispered.

What a superb way to finish out the D’Angelos series! While it’s tough to say goodbye to this dynamic group, THE WHOLE TIME brought together everyone we’ve met along the way for one last hurrah–and for one last romance. I couldn’t wait to get to know Salena and Ryan better. Previous books showed how sassy and outspoken Salena was while Ryan was the protective guy who told it like it was. But you could tell they had hearts of gold, and they adored their loved ones.

From their first scene together, Ryan and Salena made me laugh with their quick, sexy banter–as well as fan my face with the intensity of their attraction. I knew right away that theirs would be a steamy but oh so sweet romance. And while they didn’t have a whole lot of conflicts with each other, it was Salena’s very overprotective parents and Ryan’s shaky relationship with his father that hindered things for them.

I cheered Salena on while she worked hard for her independence, making it that much sweeter when she was standing on her own two feet. What I loved most about her was how she owned her personality and her sexuality. Salena made no bones about who she was. And that included her non-traditional hobby (which you’ll read about in the book!) that was all about embracing being a strong, self-assured woman. Something that Ryan–once he learned about it–accepted as part of Salena’s life.

Ryan was the definition of a swoon-worthy hero. Kind, thoughtful, genuine, he also had tattoos, rode a Ducati, and could talk dirty with the best of them. He was a great match for Salena, aka Trouble, as Ryan called her. (lol) But it was how he supported and respected her decisions that had me sighing happily. And that was just how Ryan was with those he loved, including his siblings and parents. No wonder he was welcomed into the D’Angelo family with open arms–he was every bit as wonderful as they all were.

QOTD: Do you have any hobbies, traditional or non-traditional?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: November 14th, 2023 |  Montlake | The D’Angelos #4

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a tale of a strong-willed dancer exercising her independence and the rich biker she can’t let go.

Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos’ restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.