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CHASING SHADOWS – Catherine Bybee

First Wives Club, Book 3

Montlake Romance

ISBN: 978-1-5039-0343-2

November 2018

Contemporary Romance



Los Angeles and New York City --- Present Day



Avery Grant is self-sufficient and wealthy, so she doesn’t really need a man in her life. Her support system consists of her three best friends, all of them members of a “First Wives Club,” a group of women who married well and received substantial settlements when the marriages ended. On the side, Avery does estate inventory, and a year ago, while in the midst of a job, was nearly beaten to death. Avery doesn’t remember much about the attack but it still haunts her. Now she’s in training for Krav Maga, a military-style fighting defense. It’s hard work but Avery has no plans to ever be caught defenseless again. Then Liam comes into her life. Avery values her independence but he is making it hard for her to maintain her vow.



Liam had spotted Avery one night in a bar and was wowed by her. She didn’t flinch as she fought off a man coming onto her hard. After figuring out where she trained, he finagles himself into a contracting job at the fitness club. Of course, Liam sees Avery, and the two strike up a friendship. He’s enamored of her, but she is more reticent towards him. This doesn’t stop Liam from pursuing her and he’s soon more than just friends with her. Even Avery’s fellow First Wives Club members are encouraging her to date him. But Avery is still haunted by the beating. As the one-year anniversary of the attack approaches, she takes a secret trip to New York City to visit the scene of the crime…and soon realizes that the dead man presumed to be the attacker wasn’t him. The police try to help but there isn’t much to go on except for Avery’s foggy memories.



In CHASING SHADOWS, Avery finds her life changed after she was brutally attacked. She’s haunted and shies away from romantic relationships. Her friendship with Liam starts off slowly. He is persistent and pops up when she least expects it. But he proves to be reliable and a good friend, and later, a wonderful lover. Yet, she refuses to discuss much of her past with him. To get a sense of Avery, readers soon learn that she was raised by parents so overbearing and cold that she married a man just to escape them. It was a marriage of convenience for both and she ended up with a tidy sum after they divorced. Avery will do whatever it takes to maintain her independence, but she can’t rest until the real attacker is caught.



CHASING SHADOWS shows Avery’s grief and recovery from the violent attack that left her with amnesia. As this tale spins its way to a conclusion, we see a woman on a mission who wants closure. Will she find her attacker, either on her own or with help? Liam wants to help Avery but she keeps him in the dark. Once everything is settled, can Avery and Liam find happiness together? A spellbinding tale, pick up a copy of CHASING SHADOWS.



Patti Fischer

Avery is a tough woman who is dealing with her past. She was not relationship material before the attack now she is not even considering it. She was not expecting Liam.
It is refreshing to have a "normal" guy in this series. A man that helps his sister and niece he outs others first and even goes to a self defense class because it helps Avery.

This book hits on a a few sensitive subjects but it is done in a ways that does not make you feel uncomfortable. It is a great read and you will not want to put it don.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

I’m somewhat new to Catherine Bybee’s books, and the First Wives series is very new to me. This book is filled with just enough drama, a lot of suspense and action, and plenty of romance. Avery is a tough woman – physically and emotionally – and I loved seeing Liam work his way into her world. Avery has had to be tough after she survived a brutal attack just a year before.

This is a great book and I’m anxious to read the others in this series.

Another great book in the First Wives series! With lots of emotion and strong characters, this one was hard to put down.

After watching Avery try to recover from her attack in the last book, I couldn’t wait to see how her story would play out. She’s not the same person she was prior to the attack and she’s determined to never be a victim again – or at least not go down again without fighting back.

Avery doesn’t do relationships. Her upbringing has her running from any type of commitment and her attack has left her feeling even more vulnerable. Liam was just what Avery needed. He pretty much works his way into her life and is willing to do whatever it takes to show her that he can be trusted and that she can trust herself. And once he teams up with Avery’s friends, there was no question that Avery would have the support system she needed to help her find her strength and slay her demons, especially as new truths are revealed.

One of my favorite parts about this book is the friend group that has been created from the First Wives club. Each of these women have very different stories, but somehow, they have formed a bond that transcends any blood relationship. And as the group grows with the addition of new partners, the bond only becomes strengthened. I loved how Liam was easily accepted into the group – especially when he was basically thrown into a high-profile celebrity wedding event with no warning from Avery. And watching them all come together to help Avery in the end was just perfect.

Although this was an emotional read, there really wasn’t much angst, which only made this book that much better. Catherine Bybee has such an ability to make her characters step off the page and take you with them on their journey. She’s a master at crafting a plot that pulls you in and has you looking forward to every twist and turn that the story takes and using dialogue and words to have you feeling right along with her characters.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading a Catherine Bybee book I would highly recommend you get her on - and move her to the top of - your TBR!

Last year Avery barely survived a brutal attack and remembers next to nothing about it. Previously, Avery’s been outspoken and up for a good time, but the attack has changed her. Not that she’s now a shrinking violet, but she’s more thoughtful and serious. Also, she’s taken up krav maga determined to be able to defend herself should she ever be in a vulnerable situation again.

While defending herself from a handsy barfly, Avery captures the attention of Liam, a nice, normal building contractor, who soon starts taking krav maga to get close, and the sparks fly between them! Liam isn’t like the men Avery usually tangles with, satisfied with having a brief physical affair, and then moving on quickly. Liam wants more than a casual hookup, unnerving her, but he’s exactly what Avery didn’t realize she needed.

While Avery refuses to be treated or seen as a victim, the attack did leave a mark and its effects are coming to a head the closer she approaches the one-year anniversary. Details of the attack are coming to light as Avery starts regaining bits of her memory, shaking her up as she realizes things may not have been as the police originally thought.

When I was first introduced to Avery in the last book, I have to say she annoyed me quite a bit. She was very abrasive to Wade and Trina as they were starting their relationship and I felt like she was overbearing and intrusive. By the end though I realized that she was only trying to protect her friend from harm even if it was over the top. I felt awful for her when she got attacked!

When we first meet up with Avery here, it’s apparent that even though she hasn’t lost her fighting spirit, she’s struggling with feelings of anger, helplessness, and vulnerability. Normal feelings, I’d say considering what happened. I love that Liam was patient and kind even when he was in the dark about her situation, he could sense she needed understanding. I love how things wrapped up here, and how Avery was able to find peace and closure with a surprising turn of events.

Catherine Bybee is fast becoming one of my auto-buy authors. This is book three in the Cabot series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, I immediately accepted. My opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone.
As with all of Ms. Bybee’s novels, Chasing Shadows captured my attention from the first page and kept until the last. The pacing is fast, the characters are entertaining and well-written, and the plot is fantastic.

Avery is a driven character and is determined to find her attacker, no matter what links she must go to. While she has lived a life of privilege, she is now ready to be a member of the working class, and I admired her perseverance in turning her talents into marketable ones. In fact, I adore Avery!

Oh, my, I just love Liam’s character. Not only is he swoon-worthy, he’s a great guy. He is perfect for Avery in every way. Even when she takes off without telling him, he is able to see that she does it to protect him. He does not let male pride stand in the way.

The romance between Avery and Liam is strong. The sexual tension between the pair is excellent. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending. They are perfect for each other.

I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the earlier book in this series. It’s always fun to reconnect. The Cabot family is intriguing and flawed. I truly like them a great deal.

If you enjoy a romance with strong family ties, engaging characters, and an intriguing plot, then you will love Chasing Shadows as much as I did. I highly recommend this talented author. While this book is part of a series, it is a stand-alone novel. Happy reading!

After a brutal attack Avery took charge and is determined to make sure she can defend herself. Now able to kick butt and take charge she is determined not to depend on anyone let alone a man. Liam may just change things for her. I loved this story and I would love to have a Liam in real life, but Liam and Avery together are enough to melt your heart. Through the many struggles that Ms Bybee throws at them in this story they find a way to be stronger together. Chasing Shadows is a good one to check out.

Well this series seems to keep getting better. I needed to read Avery's story after reading what happened to her in Half Empty. I enjoyed the twists in this story and Liam was exactly what Avery needed. I am looking forward to next book.

This is one of those series that each book seems to be better than the last and once again Catherine Bybee has another hit on her hands, this is book 3 in the First Wives Club but each book can be read as a stand-alone although I’m sure once you pick one up you will want to read the others. We met Avery is the previous books and to be honest I wasn’t sure how her story would pan out because at the start of Chasing Shadows she wouldn’t have been a favourite character of mine but as the book progressed so did my love of her and what can I say about Liam well he has got to be one of my all time favourite hero’s, he charmed me he swooned me and I love him so big....
Avery Grant like all the other first wives is left financially secure after her divorce, she has a job she loves, no money worries, some great friends and is loving her Krav Maga Classes which she is taking because one mistake left her battered and bruised and that is something she vowed would never happen again. Avery may seem like she has it all but she is skittish and nervous especially around men she doesn’t know.
Liam Holt sees Avery one night after her class when she is having a drink with a classmate, he is intrigued, the attraction is instant and he is determined to end up the man in her life. He is the perfect man for her because he can be patient , he can bide his time but most of all he can protect her and he is also willing to listen and argue the pros for every con Avery comes up with for not dating.
This book has it all, I laughed, I cried and I fell for Avery and Liam. A strong and complex heroine who we see open up bit by bit with a hot swoon worthy protective hero what more can you ask for. If you love romance with the perfect mix of passion and humour this is the book for you. I highly recommend Chasing Shadows and this series. Looking forward to more from the woman of the First Wives Club.

Avery Grant barely survived a brutal attack, but it's made her stronger. She's determined never to be caught off guard again. Yet, there's something about Liam that makes her think about tossing her no dating rule aside and giving a man a chance. Except when Avery's past has her looking for answers, will she push away the person she's coming to love or will she let him in completely to achieve her happy ever after?

I have had this book on my kindle for the past three months and have been putting off reading it because I couldn't warm up to Avery in the first two books of Ms. Bybee's First Wives series. Since I thought she was too opinionated and interfering when it came to her friends love lives and too much of a socialite that loves attention and to spend money. Really, she just annoyed me until something terrible happened to her in the second book of the series that left me shocked. Still, I've been hesitant to read this book, but I'm glad I finally did, as it was highly entertaining, fast-paced and has exceptional emotional depth that shows how much of a warrior Avery is.

The way this story started drew me into the story immediately, as Avery is determined never to be a victim again. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as Liam is an absolutely delightful hero who is relatable, likeable, sensible and so straight-forward. A man who doesn't hold anything back and goes after what he wants and what he wants is Avery. Really, his pursuit of her was genius, even if it does come off a little stalkerish -- at first -- to some of the secondary characters.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially the heroine as she's been through a lot in her life and it's understandable why she needed to break away from her parents. Her mother is totally pretentious and has some very outdated views of women. Luckily, Avery has discovered what she wants out of life and has gone for it when it comes to a career. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how driven she is when it comes to her career, even if she does get a little sidetracked because of personal issues that have her wanting answers. I also liked how she stood up to her friends when it comes to her life being hers and she can do what she wants. Yes, they are her friends, but she doesn't need them to save her. That is something she can now do herself. Really, her courage shines throughout this story with all she's done and does to be able to keep herself safe.

Overall, Ms Bybee has delivered an absolutely incredible read in this book where the chemistry between Avery and Liam was off-the-charts and tangible from the moment they meet; the romance was hot and shows how right these two are for each other; and the ending left me completely satisfied because of what Avery undercovers and how it helps her to heal completely from what she went through. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as Liam and Avery are absolutely adorable together. I would recommend Chasing Shadows by Catherine Bybee, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Marina Adair, Jill Shalvis, Jennifer Probst and Erin Nicholas.

I’ve been looking forward to Chasing Shadows from the First Wives series, and it was well worth the wait. Avery has been a part of this series from the start, and we may have had some impressions of her that changed over the course of this series, especially after the previous story, Half Empty. Because some events flow from one woman’s story to the next I would strongly suggest that this series be read in order. Does it have to be? No, of course not. Yet to understand the Avery of today you really need an idea of what she went through before… in my opinion.

There is a strength and a determination to Avery now. She’s built walls that are high and near impossible to climb, and her trust level is lower than ever before. It will take a very unique and patient man to reach her, to see her value in what she is and what she can become. That man is Liam. Watching their relationship ebb and flow, change and grow throughout Chasing Shadows was an enjoyable adventure. While I might have, personally, wanted more of Avery and Liam – the strength and support that each woman draws from their unique group is also a major part of this series. The women are so diverse yet also so connected that it is always an adventure to see them together.

I enjoyed Chasing Shadows very much, and I’m purposefully vague on details for you need to experience this story for yourself. Liam is expert at knowing when to push just a little, when to stand back and watch where Avery will go next. He is a unique man, and Avery so deserves him in her life. We get a slight glimpse into the next story, and now I’m waiting on Faking Forever, even if it is the ending of the series. I can always hope for more so we shall see what develops. I enjoyed my time back in this world once again and would definitely recommend it for any reader who enjoys going deeper into characters, situations and emotions… or simply enjoys a really good love story, not only between a man and woman but between friends as well.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

The First Wives series by Catherine Bybee just keeps getting better as the stories progress. I did NOT think she could top Trina and Wade's story, but..oh...my...word...I adored Avery and Liam.

When Liam first spies Avery in the dive bar near her gym, he is completely enthralled. And realizes from the get go that he is going to have to approach with caution.

And while Avery is very upfront about her disinterest in dating - she finds herself spending more time with Liam as the days and weeks go by. And man, the reader can do nothing but root for these two. After the events of a year prior, Avery is deep in survival mode, and her friends only know half of whats going through her mind. And Liam may be the only one that can pull her back from the brink.

Liam is the classic hero - hot, yet kind, caring, compassionate - dotes on his sister and niece. And OH. MY. can he and Avery set those pages aflame. If you haven't been reading the First Wives series, I urge you to catch up today, because these men are hawt, and the women are pretty badass themselves!

CHASING SHADOWS (First Wives #3) by Catherine Bybee is a contemporary romance that had me on an emotional roller-coaster from the very first chapter. This is the third book in the series and Avery’s story. This book can be read as a standalone, but all of the women in the First Wives Club appear and interact in this book because of Trina’s wedding.

Avery Grant finally has the financial freedom to live life on her own terms. Her divorce contract left her financially well off and she is now working a job she loves. Avery is a one-night-stand kind of girl who avoids commitment since her divorce. This works well for her until a brutal attack (which occurs in book #2). After a long recovery, Avery starts taking Krav Maga classes vowing to never be a victim again.

Liam Holt sees Avery after a class in a local bar and is immediately intrigued. Liam wants to be the man in Avery’s life. He is charming, sexy and willing to put up with all of Avery’s arguments against dating. She tells him she is a bad bet, but he will not be put off.

When Avery starts having flashbacks of her attack, new clues come to light. Avery is determined to find the man who nearly killed her no matter the consequences to herself or her relationship with Liam.

I could not put this book down! Avery is such a strong and complex heroine. I cried and laughed with her. She goes from carefree to victim to survivor to warrior in such an amazing character story arc. The author shows how Avery allows Liam into her heart step by step with love and laughter. Liam is the perfect book boyfriend in every way for Avery. This is a beautiful step-by-step romance that just hits all of the right notes. How the author handled Avery’s reaction to the discovery of her attacker was unique and had me in tears.

This is a great addition to the First Wives series that I highly recommend!

Catherine Bybee's Chasing Shadows is a compelling entry into the First Wives series that features a woman picking up the pieces of her life after a violent attack and the man who helps her believe in love.

Avery learns to defend herself to push through the lingering effects of an attack that traumatized her. Krav Maga not only enhances her confidence, but leads her to the man who will help her overcome her hang ups about love and committed relationships. The members of First Wives club are there for Avery when she learns disturbing news about the man who attacked her. They kind of remind me of the Helping Hands from RaeAnne Thayne's Haven Point series, but much more focused on each other's love lives and providing emotional support. There is a thread of suspense that unravels in the background of the story. While Liam and Avery are starting a tentative relationship, Avery's past threatens to put and end to it before it really gets started.

I enjoyed this story because it isn't a typical romance. Even the ending wasn't typical and I'm not surprised because Catherine Bybee always adds a touch of something different to her stories. I've learned to expect the unexpected from her stories and she does not disappoint in Chasing Shadows.
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

Catherine Bybee is a must-read author. She writes about strong women characters that hold their own in every situation yet they know how to be women. They are willing to open their lives and their hearts to the right men and build friendships with other women that are more like sisterhoods than friendships.


Chasing Shadows is the third book in the First Wives club. The women in these books are best friends. They each have their own history, their own reason for joining the First Wives Club but are in need of more, whether they know they need more or not. Avery Grant is a strong, wealthy woman. She doesn’t need any man nor does she want any man. Until she runs into Liam and can’t get him off her mind, he shows up at the club where she is learning to defend herself, she finds him intriguing, and takes a risk at getting to know him better.


There were times that I thought Liam was stalkerish but I soon learned that he just felt the same attraction that Avery felt. He couldn’t forget her but knew he couldn’t push her. He wanted her, he needed her, and he had to find a way to win her over to make her his and him hers. I love how respectful he is of her past. He knows there is something there her back but he doesn’t push, he gives her the space she needs, he crowds her when she doesn’t even know she needs to be crowded, and he offers her his heart without expecting anything in return.

Chasing Shadows is another amazing winner by Catherine Bybee. I am entirely hooked on the First Wives club series.

Chasing Shadows is the third installment for the First Wives series. The book in well written with an interesting story. The characters are wonderfully human and the relationships are something to envy.

Another AWESOME book by Ms. Bybee. This is the third book in the First Wives series and the main character is Avery. If you didn't read the previous book you wouldn't be aware of what traumatic incident happened to Avery in book 2. Liam likes Avery from the moment he first saw her but Avery is very choosy now as to what men she lets into her life and she tries valiantly to keep Liam out. This is an awesome book that delves into the subject women who become walking targets for violent men. The First Wives club is a great set of stories about strong women who become supportive friends based on their marriages. Those marriages were based on platonic relationships for monetary gain and to fulfill a need for their spouses. Hopefully there will be several other books on the women in their group as well as their friends. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Bybee especially in this series.

Chasing Shadows by Catherine Bybee is book Three in the First Wives Series. This is the story of Liam and Avery. I have not yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Avery once was the life of the party but we learn that a issue happened to her that changed her outgoing personality. Liam knows he wants to get closer to Avery but her past has left her skittish so he has to slowly work his way into her comfort zone. Liam was a great 'book boyfriend' for sure.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

What a great series, and I loved Avery's determination to overcome her attack and ensure that it would not happen again.

I found it interesting that even though the four women are close, Avery kept them from getting too close and did not tell them all her secrets so it is not surprising that Avery does not do relationships!

She is at such a loss of how to deal with Liam and it is fun to watch her give in a little bit each encounter until she realizes that they are in a relationship and that she actually does love him.

I loved how she dealt with facing her attacker when that time came.

Can't wait for Shannon's story and will be sad when this series ends when the four women have found love - some for the first time!

Avery is one of the strongest characters I’ve ever read and her ability to fight her way back to not just coping with life, but being a confident person is amazing. Liam is there for Avery although she wants to be able to handle her life. This is a wonderful book in the series which can be read alone, but the entire series is terrific and really builds upon each other.