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Doing It Over
Most Likely to #1
By: Catherine Bybee
Releasing 19th April, 2016
Montlake Romance
In Doing It Over (Most Likely to #1) by Catherine Bybee, Melanie hasn't had the sort of success that most people in River Bend thought she'd have. Still, her experiences in life have made her the strong, independent woman she's become. Unable to break the promise she made to her two best friends, she's back in her hometown to attend her ten year school reunion. But with money in short supply, a car that is continually on the fritz destined to finally quit working, and the mother of an adventurous little girl, Melanie isn't sure what the future holds for her. At least not until she's offered a job at the local B & B, and she meets Wyatt Gibson; a handsome man that wants her to give him a chance. But she does know one thing, staying in River Bend might be just what she needs to turn her life around for the better.
Being a huge fan of Ms. Bybee's stories, I always look forward to whenever she releases another book, and I've got to say that Doing It Over provided a wonderful start to a new series for this talented author. The prelude opens this story nicely, and I liked how it introduced me to the heroine and her two best friends. It shows how close they are, and no matter where they ended up after graduating that they'd always be friends. But it was from the first chapter that this story really grabbed my undivided attention, and did not let go until the end.
As for the dialogue, it was compelling and a perfect blend of intense and playful. Melanie's ex is a real piece of work, causing problems when she's finally starting to get her life back on track. Yet, Wyatt helps her, gives her the strength to fight against anything her ex decides to do. He supports her not just with his advice or a shoulder to lean on, but also with his actions by getting his father involved to help solve the major problems thrown Melanie's way. Then there's the secondary characters that band together to support the heroine in difficult times as well, especially once they learn her ex's true motives.
I really liked both the main characters, as well as the secondary ones. Miss Gina, the elderly woman that owns the town's B&B is a real hoot and I liked how she encouraged Melanie to give Wyatt a chance. Then there's the heroine's daughter, Hope. She's adorable, and I liked that she trusted Wyatt almost right away. Though even more so after he saves her from one of her little climbing explorations.
As for the heroine, she's strong, brave and independent. She finds it hard to trust after everything she went through with her ex. He really let her down, and it was no wonder she couldn't stand to give him a second chance. Yet, Wyatt is the total opposite of her ex. He's patient, kind and determined to show her that she's worth waiting for. That he's willing to wait until Melanie's ready to give him a chance. However, the obstacles they face aren't easy. Such as: Can it be proven that Melanie is an unfit mother? Can it be proven that Wyatt is a bad influence for Hope? Can it be proven that Melanie and Hope's current living arrangements are unsafe? All so someone can take what matters most away from the heroine, if any of those obstacles are proven to be true.
There was plenty of sexual tension between Melanie and Wyatt, which kept increasing every time they conversed. Until eventually, their intense chemistry spilled over onto the pages in hot sex scenes. Since moving to River Bend, Wyatt hasn't been all that interested in dating, but there's something about Melanie that intrigues him. Besides, the hero is charming, so there was never any doubt that Melanie would be able to resist him forever.
Overall, Ms. Bybee has proven she's a master when it comes to writing contemporary romances mixed with a dash of suspense, that encompass warm and relatable characters that her readers want more of. The ending wrapped this story up nicely, as Hope's new friend comes to her rescue. While the epilogue illustrated how confident Wyatt was when it came to how much Melanie loved him. They really have a love that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend Doing It Over by Catherine Bybee, especially if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, small town romances, or stories where the heroine manages to turn her life around for the better.
OVERALL RATING:
Being a huge fan of Ms. Bybee's stories, I always look forward to whenever she releases another book, and I've got to say that Doing It Over provided a wonderful start to a new series for this talented author. The prelude opens this story nicely, and I liked how it introduced me to the heroine and her two best friends. It shows how close they are, and no matter where they ended up after graduating that they'd always be friends. But it was from the first chapter that this story really grabbed my undivided attention, and did not let go until the end.
As for the dialogue, it was compelling and a perfect blend of intense and playful. Melanie's ex is a real piece of work, causing problems when she's finally starting to get her life back on track. Yet, Wyatt helps her, gives her the strength to fight against anything her ex decides to do. He supports her not just with his advice or a shoulder to lean on, but also with his actions by getting his father involved to help solve the major problems thrown Melanie's way. Then there's the secondary characters that band together to support the heroine in difficult times as well, especially once they learn her ex's true motives.
I really liked both the main characters, as well as the secondary ones. Miss Gina, the elderly woman that owns the town's B&B is a real hoot and I liked how she encouraged Melanie to give Wyatt a chance. Then there's the heroine's daughter, Hope. She's adorable, and I liked that she trusted Wyatt almost right away. Though even more so after he saves her from one of her little climbing explorations.
As for the heroine, she's strong, brave and independent. She finds it hard to trust after everything she went through with her ex. He really let her down, and it was no wonder she couldn't stand to give him a second chance. Yet, Wyatt is the total opposite of her ex. He's patient, kind and determined to show her that she's worth waiting for. That he's willing to wait until Melanie's ready to give him a chance. However, the obstacles they face aren't easy. Such as: Can it be proven that Melanie is an unfit mother? Can it be proven that Wyatt is a bad influence for Hope? Can it be proven that Melanie and Hope's current living arrangements are unsafe? All so someone can take what matters most away from the heroine, if any of those obstacles are proven to be true.
There was plenty of sexual tension between Melanie and Wyatt, which kept increasing every time they conversed. Until eventually, their intense chemistry spilled over onto the pages in hot sex scenes. Since moving to River Bend, Wyatt hasn't been all that interested in dating, but there's something about Melanie that intrigues him. Besides, the hero is charming, so there was never any doubt that Melanie would be able to resist him forever.
Overall, Ms. Bybee has proven she's a master when it comes to writing contemporary romances mixed with a dash of suspense, that encompass warm and relatable characters that her readers want more of. The ending wrapped this story up nicely, as Hope's new friend comes to her rescue. While the epilogue illustrated how confident Wyatt was when it came to how much Melanie loved him. They really have a love that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend Doing It Over by Catherine Bybee, especially if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, small town romances, or stories where the heroine manages to turn her life around for the better.
OVERALL RATING:
BLURB:
One small town. Three close friends.
True love to last a lifetime.
Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie
Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a
complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River
Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint
small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo and Zoe, by her side,
and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might
have turned the corner on a new life.
Wyatt Gibson never liked the big
city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows
he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and
her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming
storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a
family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?
BUY LINKS : Amazon / B & N / BAM / Book Depository
PRAISE FOR DOING IT OVER
“The
romance between fiercely independent Melanie and charming Wyatt heats up even
as outsiders threaten to derail their newfound happiness. This novel will hook
readers with its warm, inviting characters and the promise for similar future
installments.” –Publishers Weekly
“This brand-new trilogy, Most Likely To, based on
yearbook superlatives, kicks off with a novel that will encourage you to root
for the incredibly likable Melanie. Her friends are hilarious and readers will
swoon over Wyatt, who is charming and strong. Even Melanie’s daughter, Hope, is
a hoot! This romance is jam-packed with animated characters, and Bybee displays
her creative writing talent wonderfully.” –RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times&USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in
Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern
California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting
tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of
her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the
Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two
teenage sons in Southern California.
Author Links:
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