A BIG thank you for allowing me to read this book ahead of time. Since I received ARC I am asked for my honest opinion. I love Catherine Bybee,, Chasing Shadows is the 3rd book in the First Wives series and probably my favorite so far, Catherine is at her best. and does not disappoint I have loved Avery from the very beginning. It is going to take a very special man to work his way into her life and heart, Liam is the perfect fit. Avery is working her way through her brutal attack in New York last year and is trying to deal with the after affects the only way she knows how and that is to take control. So, she takes up kick boxing to learn how to defend her self. You will want to enroll in one of these classes too. .The story has some twists and turns and you will love how the romance develops. This book can be read as a stand alone even thou it is part of a series but better if you have knowledge of her friends, they are amazing and you will want them for friends too. I predict that you will absolutely what to read the other books in the series.. Highly recommend this book and any by Catherine.

Book Three of The First Wives Club- I'm hooked on this series!

It's now Avery's turn and if you were fortunate enough to have read book two (if not- you are missing out) you will recall that Avery suffered a terrible attack that left her in ICU pretty battered. She is determined never to be a victim again and has taken up krav mag. Avery hasn't disclosed this to her friends as she thinks they don't realize how traumatized she was after her accident.

Liam is instantly attracted to Avery and finds himself working at her gym and soon enough enlisted as her defense training partner. He makes it clear to Avery he is attracted yet he senses she has a troubled past that will require him to handle Avery with kid gloves. Avery is well taken with Liam too, only she doesn't trust as easily anymore. With the anniversary of her attack looming, Avery soon finds herself chasing the shadow of her past- determined to unearth the truth. Avery doesn't trust well and leaves everyone in the dark, especially Liam, on her path to discovery. Danger is ever close when she puts herself in bad situations. Avery must learn to open herself up to not only her friends, but to Liam, or risk losing him forever.

Chasing Shadows was a hot romance with Avery and Liam, yet takes you on Avery's journey on self-discovery and forgiveness- not only of herself but of her attacker.

Avery Grant can’t get over the fear after her attack last year. She decides to protect herself by taking self defence classes where she somehow finds herself put up against the mesmerising Liam. But Avery won’t let anyone in meaning Liam has to try his hardest to get through her barriers. Enjoyable instalment from Catherine’s new series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Catherine Bybee at her best. A gripping tale, the most recent in the First Wives series. This book has a very different storyline with twists and turns as it progresses. Fascinating characters and a romance threaded through. A must for fans of this genre. Although part of a series where it was great to welcome back ‘old friends’, this book could also be read standalone. I can almost guarantee that any reader doing this would want to follow on by reading the earlier books.

Holy PTSD. Was she mugged? An abusive husband?

Omigod, Leslie. I'm so sorry

Attagirl. See, stalker-y Liam, she didn't need you.

Yeesh, her mother is a piece of work.

I'm with Avery. Whoa there, Shannon. Marriage will happen eventually.

She used to be slutty, apparently.

Haha!

Leaving her phone at home was stupid.

Whoa, fancy. He will never be able to fly coach again.

Wow, how much did six orchids cost him?

Did she remember something about her attacker's tattoos?

These college students are great, and very talented.

How does she know which clubs to visit?

For the love of Pete. She's acting like a big baby. All her friends want to do is help.

Sasha might be scary, but she's good people.

I honestly don't know what she should do. The kid didn't know what he was doing.

Go get 'em. Sheldon. Give that desk what-for.

Good for you, Brenda.

Oy, Adeline.

I lost another night of sleep when this book popped up on my Netgalley approval list!!!! But then, I always lose sleep when a new Catherine Bybee book is released because I just can't put her books down.

Book three in the First Wives Club, Chasing Shadows, deals with ex-wife Avery Grant. In the book 2, we saw her viciously attacked and left for dead. It's a year later and rich party girl Avery has undergone some changes - and more than just the new nose she was given after the the attack.

A disciple of Krav Maga now, Avery is one beautiful bad ass woman and no one is ever going to hurt her again. She's always protected her heart but now she protects her body as well. Enter LIam, a contractor with a heart of gold, abs of steel and resolve of concrete. He's not going to let the best thing that's ever come into his life - Avery - go, despite her prickly ways.

Avery's memory of the attack has been absent for this past year, but when snippets of it come back, she is determined to ensure the man responsible is punished. Going back to the scene of the crime puts her in danger, and the ex-wives and Liam are having none of it.

As I said, I read this book in one sitting because it was unput-downable! Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for allowing me a sneak peak. 5 uber-worthy stars from me and I wish I could give it more! Can't wait for the next installment!!!