Member Reviews
5 Stars for this suspenseful romance!
I was on the edge of my seat throughout this whole book. I went through all kinds of emotions ... Jax's antics had me laughing-out-loud, Andrew's dedication to Jax had me swooning, the action had my heart pounding, the twists and turns had my head spinning, and the intimate scenes ... well, they need no explanation. Then the little bit at the end ... I can't wait for the next book!
I loved all the books in this series, but this is my favorite. Jax intrigued me from the first book and I couldn't wait to read her story ... and I was not disappointed. Even though her parents shipped her off to Richter at a young age, she dropped everything to go back to London to see why they were living apart. I loved her spunky attitude and that she didn't take sh*t from anyone. Andrew ... he is just so cute and didn't have an absolute clue about what Jax did for a living. All Andrew knew was that he found her irresistible and he had to make sure she stayed in his life.
I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Jacqueline “Jax” Simon is an operative with MacBain Security and Solutions. When she hears her parents are divorcing, she returns to London to find out why. She’s determined to learn the truth about her parents and why they sent her to Richter, the German military school. Andrew Craig picks up Jax at Heathrow Airport as a favor for her brother. They both are not prepared for the attraction they feel for each other, or for the secrets that are revealed in their investigation.
This was a good romantic suspense story from the start. I didn’t have any problems with the plot, even though it’s the third in the series. Jax was very likeable, driven, and strong. Andrew was honest, loving, and intelligent. I felt their chemistry throughout the novel. The thing I didn’t like was the end, it made me sad. I am a sucker, and prefer, happy endings. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
4.5/5.0
What a great read!! The suspense and mystery aspects are nail-biting, heart-thumping fun and the romance is sigh-worthy and completely believable. Each of these aspects is intertwined so perfectly that none overwhelm the others- NOT an easy feat!
Jax and Andrew’s developing love is delightfully refreshing, as well. Usually in a suspense, the male is the alpha with the girl kicking A beside him. In this story, that scenario is completely flipped. Don’t get me wrong, Andrew is a strong, capable character, but he is a regular, albeit successful businessman who just happens to fall for the girl operative. There is humor right along with the intrigue, as he rises to the occasion and learns to help support and protect her.
And, of course, there is the engaging readability and the perfect ending that this author is so famous for, making this story the absolute perfect escape!
BOOK REVIEW: An Unexpected Distraction by @catherinebybee
4.5 Stars
Catherine Bybee has done it again! I am a HUGE fan of this series but there is always the worry that the next book won't live up to expectations, however I certainly didn't need to worry!
This series is based around a few badass women who work in dangerous undercover work/private investigation for a security company. They were raised in a corrupt boarding school which is an ongoing theme through the series. It is all quite complex and so I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone as you wouldn't get the most out of it but also because there are 2 fantastic books to read before this one! They are a wonderful mix of romance and suspenseful drama and action.
This book is based around Jax, who I adored in the first 2 books. As ever, I loved her relationship with her best friend Claire but I also found her relationship with her family really interesting. She is a fierce female and I love her strength and intelligence but also her humour and at times her vulnerability. Her love interest Andrew is a wonderful cinnamon bun of a man but also strong willed and just what Jax needs. I would have liked a few more scenes of Andrew with family members or friends but that isn't a big critique.
As ever with this series, the storyline was gripping and I couldn't put it down, so I read it in half a day! The writing was brilliant but there were quite a few grammatical/wording errors in the ARC which hopefully get changed before the publishing date. My main reason for knocking off half a star is American words being said by British people which we wouldn't say! E.g. biscuit instead of scone. It isn't a huge deal but the kind of attention to detail that stops me giving 5 stars.
I cannot wait for the next book and could not recommend this awesome series more to lovers of romance who also enjoy a little suspense and danger on the side. A truly brilliant series!
Please note that I was #gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I've been so intrigued by all of the books in the Richter series thus far and An Unexpected Distraction was no different. Catherine Bybee has a way of creating a story where you're pulled in from the very beginning and you're kept on the edge of your seat as you progress through the book.
Jacqueline "Jax" Simons, who attended Richter Boarding School during high school, now works for McBain Security where she uses the skills she mastered during her years at Richter to work as a private investigator. While she grew up in Europe, she's lived in California for the past six years and she's love every minute of it. When she gets a call from her brother that she needs to come home, she knows something big must be up, as she hasn't been close to her family for a very long time. With it being a family issue, she does what she knows she should and boards a flight.
Andrew Craig is the friend of Jax's brother, Harry, and he does his buddy a favor by picking up his sister at the airport when she arrives. He's not forthcoming with exactly who he is, so Jax thinks he's just a driver who was hired to pick her up. He would like nothing more than the opportunity to see Jax again, so he heads to her hotel, where that happens. The two find that there is a definite attraction between them, but can anything come of it?
Jax ends up getting an assignment that will keep her in Europe for a while longer. Not only that, but the family matters are keeping her there longer as well. Andrew ends up playing a role in the assignment she's given since the two are dating. It gives her a good cover, but it also gives Andrew a true look into how dangerous the work that Jax does can be. Will he be able to handle it? Will Jax be able to get herself out of a difficult spot that she finds herself in?
As I mentioned at the outset, this series has been so good and this one was no exception. We were certainly set up for a forthcoming book, which makes me excited. I'm always up for any book that Bybee pens for us!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
4.5/5 stars
An Unexpected Distraction is book 3 in the Richter series of romantic suspense books.
This book is Jax's story. She is the main narrator (3rd person POV). However there are also a few other narrators, including the male 3rd person POV.
I would say that this book could be read as a standalone. However Claire from Changing The Rules is in this book. As are many of the other people who work at MacBain Security, including Neil.
I really enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved the romance. I loved seeing Claire and Neil so much. At first the case was not overly interesting. But the second half was so strong. Overall this book kept my attention. And the end was really exciting and action-packed. Although I'm not sure that I loved the last few paragraphs. But can't wait to see what comes next!
Each book in this series is amazing and with each new book this unique group of characters continue to develop. Jacqueline “Jax” Simon is returning to London and learns that her parents have separated, but no one is talking. She decides to stay and force the issue…and Andrew Craig could very well be another reason to stay. When Andrew and Jax make a trip to Richter, the boarding school she had attended, it was to gather information. Are they providing an excellent education for the young or have they returned to their more nefarious training of the past? As the situation between her parents becomes more involved, her relationship with Andrew has given her someone she can love and trust. Jax uncovers shocking news about her family; will they survive this latest bombshell? When she and others are in danger, will her team be in time to rescue them? Who is really behind this attempt against the team, and why? A thrilling end that you won’t want to miss. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Jax Simon is called back to London by her brother due to a family emergency. She has never had a good relationship with her parents after they sent her to Richter. The super elite school that had hidden intentions with their pupils. On top of the trouble it seems that Richter is back to their old ways. So Jax is fighting on two fronts but she isn’t alone on this she has the McBain London team and her so called driver Andrew Craig.
Jax discovers secrets about her family unexpected in many ways but in the end it makes sense. I really was on the fence about Jax half the time. She is confident and good at her job. But when it came to her family dynamics she was throwing a pity party a lot of the time.
Andrew is a great Hero just like all Hero’s CB writes. They are patient, loyal and supportive in every way but they are sometimes lack that spark. That spark I need in a hero.
There is no insta-attraction or insta-lust it is organic. It progresses as any normal romance does. I always enjoy a Catherine Bybee book and with this was no different but I think it be tighter. Overall enjoyable and a great read.
An Unexpected Distraction starts off fast and than slows down as characters are introduced and Jax deals with her unfeeling family. Catherine Bybee writes from different points of view giving the readers the main characters reactions and thoughts though the entire book. While readers can jump into book three of the series I would recommend readers start with book one just to have a better idea of what Richter did.
The story is like so many other Catherine Bybee writes the romance at times takes over the story but when the action starts reader will never get enough of her strong women.
Personal not this wasn't my favorite in the series it was a little slower than expected.
Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of An Unexpected Distraction by Catherine Bybee
4.25⭐
An Unexpected Distraction is a well-written and developed story. That easily pulled me in even if I did find the pacing a touch on the slow side particularly during the first half. But with great characters, a solid romance and a mystery that steadily built and lead to an exciting confrontation this was an entertaining read. However, the ending did feel a little unfinished and if I'm honest, I felt there were more questions left unanswered than answered but hopefully the next book will solve that issue. Would happily recommend.
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
This series is so much fun as these kicka$$ woman are so lethal! Even when they are in impossible situations, they manage to come out alive.
Jax, a previous student at Richter, has been working for Neil MacBain when her brother calls her home to England. She has not had any sort of relationship with her parents and very little with her brother so when he asks, she comes to help.
Along the way, she meets Andrew and they with MacBain Securities are digging into the current situation at Richter and her parents connection.
There is almost non-stop action, twists and turns, and a growing attraction between Jax and Andrew. It was hard to put the book down as I wanted to know why Jax's parents were separated, what it had to do with her time at Richter, and is there a new player leading at Richter.
Now, I can't wait for the next book!
Another great book by Catherine Bybee. This is the 3rd book in the Richter series and I loved it! Was so glad to read Jax’s story and see her find her HEA. Loved Andrew and how he was such a great guy and always willing to be there for Jax and what she had to do. Glad to read how she finally found out why she was enrolled in Richter and how she was finally able to bond with her Mother. Loved “visiting” with Claire, Cooper, Gwen, Neil, and Sasha from Catherine Bybee’s other books. Highly recommend reading the Richter series and all the other books written by Catherine Bybee. Can’t wait to read Catherine’s next book!
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
An Unexpected Distration was an expected delight. I can never get enough of Catherine Bybee's writing. The characters fly off the pages and I can't put the book down.
Jax's story is troubled. She is dealing with so much and making careless mistakes as she was distracted. Distracted by a man, a budding romance, a family secret. The biggest secret they didn't expect.
What a great addition to this series. Overall this book could be read as a standalone, but I feel you are doing yourself a disservice by not reading in order.
I love how the romance was really enhanced by the suspense of the story. They complement each other so well rather than one overpowering the other. These characters were one of my favorites and I was beyond exhilarating to see how this story unfolded. The ending was action packed and definitely left me breathless. The book perfectly intertwined past characters while leaving the open possibility of a future book. The writing style is one that is beyond titillating and keeps your pulse high.
I cannot recommend her books enough and this book is another great addition to her amazing collection. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC
An Unexpected Distraction by Catherine Bybee is the third book in the Richter series. Each book can be easily read as a stand alone, but the series is getting better and better as we learn more about the school and the characters.
Jax is mostly estranged from her family and not just in physical distance. So when her brother called and told her to come home, she knew it must be serious. He didn’t meet her at the airport but sent a drive. She was not pleased. Only the driver isn’t just a driver, but a friend of her brothers. So the first meeting of the couple happens. However their story is entwined with figuring out what exactly is going on with Jax’s family and what that has to do with Richter. Eventually the entire team is over in Great Britain working on the case. Jax’s family secrets are slowly eeking out and each answer leads to more questions.
I enjoy Catherine Bybee’s novels. She is definitely a go-to author for me. I love how her stories roll out and her characters are interesting. This particular series is fascinating to me with all the twists and turns! An Unexpected Distraction by Catherine Bybee is a great read.
My first thought is this was a lot of fun. From the team-building exercise to the bike ride, there was a lot to like about this book. However,there were a few slow parts, a few predictable ones and for a security company, there were elements lacking in their own security processes. Overall a fun read and Jax and Andrew were really great characters.
A book all about family secrets and I couldn’t put it down once started! Jacqueline “Jax” Simon knows how to expose secrets: she’s a skilled operative with MacBain Security and Solutions. When Jax hears her parents are divorcing, she races to London to find out why. She’s determined to learn the truth, especially when her investigation uncovers why her parents sent her to Richter, the German military school that made her a fighter.
Andrew Craig collects Jax at Heathrow Airport as a favor. He’s heard she’s a handful, but he didn’t know she’s dangerously gorgeous too. His instant attraction could change his life…or end it.
Jax doesn’t want to fall for Andrew, but soon he’s worming his way into her life. Together, they infiltrate Richter to discover if it has returned to its covert purpose: training children to be spies and assassins and blackmailing parents to look the other way. As the attraction between the two intensifies, so do the secrets exploding all around them. How deadly are those secrets—and who will survive?
I love this series and have been waiting for Jax's story for what feels like a long time. The book is full of the characters I love. This one takes us back to Richter which is a fascinating setting for a book. It was absolutely perfect that Jax's story took her back home. I loved Andrew as the match for her. They fit so well. Catherine Bybee writes wonderful characters and has built a world that I get drawn into with each book. They feel real. I love the times Jax spends with her mother. It felt so real and made me so happy for Jax. I really want this series to continue and am hoping we get more about the other members of Neil's team. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I simply love the Richter series. It´s the third book in these series, although it could be easily read as a standalone.
Have you read the blurb? Awesome, right? I would say, that itself speaks volumes and I was immediately excited to get this book in my hands.
Investigation work mixed with hunt after the truth and falling in love.
You couldn´t NOT like both main characters. Jax Simons, searching for answers, discovering troublesome truth about her father. Although not expecting to fall in love during her stay in her home country she is drawn to her brothers best friend Andrew Craig. Simple mistake leads to more.
I loved their interractions, their sence for humor and the need to find out more about Jax´s family and Richter´s buried sercrets.
I can only say I immensely enjoyed the whole story and can only recommen to you who love a lot of PI action mixed with romance.
Brilliant. Another good book from Catherine Bybee and a great addition to the series. I look forward to the next one. Totally recommend