I wasn't sure going into this book quite what to expect from Gio's book. There was something about his appearances in book one and two of this series that put me off of his character a little bit. Perhaps it was his almost flippant attitude about things, I am snot sure. That being said. I really enjoyed his character arc in this story. It shows how much he truly cares for those around him and the love he has for his family.

Family is such an important theme in this story. The good and bad sides of it. Emma's father is one who believes that a woman doesn't have a place int he business and she has been spending her life trying to prove herself. She has finally hit the point where she realizes that nothing she does will be good enough and tries to move forward. But she doesn't know there are strings to that moving forward.

These two meet on a wine tasting trip across Italy. They are both in the wine business ad looking to learn. Their hunger for their crafts and passions was nice to see. But also the maturity that both of these individuals isn't something that we always get in a contemporary romance book, even with adult characters. I found myself loving this book so much more than the first two. The protective nature that Gio has towards Emma but at the same time allowing her to make choices and mistakes on her own endeared me to him more. He had all the support that he needed with his family and didn't hesitate to share that with Emma whenever she needed.

There was a secondary element to this story with Emma's health, and honestly I thought Bybee did an amazing job writing the real fears and frustrations with health issue. All ideals of protecting ones health are realistic and make sense.

This family is something else, and I am excited to read the next installment to revisit the D'Angelos again.

EXCERPT: 'This is our way of telling you to take some time for yourself.' Chloe smiled.
'And if you find a wife along the way . . .' Mari said with a hum.
Gio opened the envelope and pulled out the papers folded inside.
Tour of Tuscany was written in fancy lettering with the image of a vineyard and a bus.

ABOUT 'BEGINNING OF FOREVER': Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.

For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.

When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.

As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.

It’s each other.

MY THOUGHTS: A sweet, sexy and fun romance with a little medical drama thrown in.

Lost luggage; you know when you're on one continent and your luggage is on another? Whoever would have thought that would lead to romance . . . Catherine Bybee certainly knows how to write disaster to triumph. And she does it with wit and style.

I enjoyed my wine tour through Tuscany with Gio and Emma. Emma plays her cards very close to her chest and Gio is the perfect Italian gentleman: gorgeous and charming. He also respects women; a lovely change - especially when compared to Emma's father! Gio makes no secret of the fact that he is looking for his 'forever' woman, while Emma is perfectly straight up about it not being her.

The other characters on the wine tour are also interesting; the Golden Girls, who need no explanation, but they sure do like to live life to the full! There is a reclusive couple taking a wedding anniversary trip, and the gay men. It was meant to be four, but there was a last-minute relationship failure.

The second half of the book takes place when Emma and Gio return home; Gio to his large and loud Italian family, and Emma to her dysfunctional one, determined to make it on her own. But you know what they say about a problem shared is a problem halved, and Gio is very good at asking the right questions about problems, giving Emma enough insight to be able to solve them on her own. He is also a calming influence on her volatile temper.

I enjoyed this story. It has some very unexpected facets to it and a bit of a bombshell towards the end. A lovely read.

Although this is the third book in a trilogy, it is easily read as a stand-alone.

⭐⭐⭐.7

#BeginningofForever #NetGalley

I: @catherinebybee @amazonpublishing

T: @catherinebybee @AmazonPub

#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #friendship #romance

THE AUTHOR: New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with 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.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Beginning of Forever by Catherine Bybee for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Heartfelt, emotional and just plain fun! I knew the third book in Catherine Bybee's D'Angelos series would be good because I binged the first two books in preparation and loved this close-knit Italian family from the very start ... but I didn't expect the humor that this bus tour through Italy would bring and I absolutely adored it! The characters have a connection right from the start that carries the book well, but that also lets the crazy drama from each of their lives play a key part in the dialogue without overwhelming us. I can't wait for more to come!

Giovanni is a doll and I loved every minute of his character. He's sweet, he's dedicated to his family and he's outgoing without being conceited. I really enjoyed seeing happiness make it's way to him and watching him shine as the leading man.

Chloe could have come across as spoiled, but instead she was determined to make her mark in life by her heard work and dedication. I enjoyed the give and take of her friendships and seeing her get to a better point with her family towards the end.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a buttinsky type of family who loves hard and wraps each other up their happily ever afters. Drama, romance, laughter and love are all key parts to this series!

There’s absolutely nothing better than a book that warms your heart and leaves you with a smile on your face. And Catherine Bybee has done it again. Every book in this series has been a five-star read for me.

As with the two previous books in this series, the locations of this story are almost a third character. This time we travel to Italy and it’s almost as delicious as watching Gio and Emma fall in love.

Giovanni and Emma meet on a three-week wine-tasting tour through Tuscany. He’s there as a gift from his loving family in honor of his 30th birthday, she’s there as a gift to herself when her father gives her ex-husband the promotion in the family business she wanted and deserved. As the fun cast of travelers drink wine and enjoy fabulous Italian meals, Gio does his best to woo a reluctant Emma and convince her to continue their relationship when they return to their homes in southern California.

Catherine Bybee does an amazing job of balancing realistic characters and storylines (so you can totally imagine yourself in their shoes) with fabulous locations and situations that give readers the perfect amount of escapism. There’s no silly, artificially manufactured angst (a la miscommunication or non-communication). No trumped up drama via immature behavior. No ridiculous alpha-male heroes or damsel-in-distress heroines. Just really likable characters (plus the wonderful D’Angelo family!) and a sweet story of them falling in love and building a life together.

I thought The D’Angelos series would be only three books, which made me sad - no one likes to say goodbye to beloved characters. But a fourth is coming and I can hardly wait!

* thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

The wine and travelling to Tuscany is Devine and sets the atmosphere making it very atmospheric. The romance is beautiful I mean who wouldn't want to fall in love in Tuscany Italy.

Soooo good.

The third book in the D'Angelo series by Catherine Bybee has everything I love about her books. When the D'Angelo family sends Giovanni on a wine tasting tour in Italy, its a chance for him to put his life back on track and refocus on his dreams of becoming a wine maker. What he doesn't expect is the instant sparks between him and a fellow passenger on the tour.

Burned by her ex, who's just been promoted over her in her own family winery, Emma is looking to escape the politics of her fathers company with plans to start fresh when she returns to southern California. Trying to keep Gio at arms length while they trek through Italy tasting wines and searching for her lost luggage is something she didn't bargain for.

But the connection that kindled on the tour continues when they return to the states, and soon their weekends are filled with visits and setting Emma up in her new home. And when a health scare brings Emma face to face with her own mortality, Gio becomes the support system that Emma needs.

So much about Beginning of Forever hit home for me, and the dedication and support from Gio is just... everything. I just loved the story arc, and the sense of family this series brings.

After his siblings had found their own happy endings, the hero wants his own happy ending. To begin the journey, the hero decides to take a three-week Italian vineyard tour. At this event the hero meets the heroine, who is with her best friend at the tour after making a life-altering decision. The hero and the heroine hit it off and they formed a team to make their dreams become reality. However, there are obstacles that the couple must face if they want their happy ending to come true.

This is the third book in THE D'ANGELOS series by Catherine Bybee. This book can be read by itself though for a wholesome view of certain characters it would be better if the books in the series were read in order. I hadn't read the previous books in the series, but I still enjoyed reading this book. I liked the book setting and the story vibe. I also liked the main couple in this book, especially when the romance really hit its stride. There were also some wonderful secondary characters that made the story entertaining, especially the hero's family. I would have liked some more details in certain areas of the book, but that's a personal preference of mine. Overall, an enjoyable addition to this Catherine Bybee series and I look forward to reading more books from the author in the future.


** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **

This was such a fun, sweet, relaxing story that had me settling down and letting it wrap the romance around me. I’ve been waiting for Gio’s story as he’s been a favorite since the beginning of the series and I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation Emma found herself in each step of the way. Their journey kept me engaged, laughing at times, and loving each new locale. But most of all, I was falling in love with them falling in love.

Through all the merriment, their chemistry was apparent and when they finally came together, it was electric! As I was pleasantly following along, I was labeling this as just a good old fashioned love story, relatively low on angst and high on steam. Until this author gave me a twist I never saw coming. And holy heck. My gut ached and my heart was wrenched. Suddenly I was biting my nails and quietly swearing. I loved every moment of it.

This has a wild cast of characters as travel companions, the warm embrace of the D’Angelos and an epilogue that left me smiling from ear to ear.

Loved, loved Gio and Emma. Emma and Gio meet on a three week wine tour in Tuscany to only find out they both live in California. Will this three weeks be the beginning of forever. Gio a wine enthusiast, is the last D'Angelos to find his forever and what would be more perfect than another wine lover. Family is everything to Gio where Emma's dad, would not win the dad of the year award. Soon a health scare for Emma will change many things in her life. Her only dream is to own her own vineyard.

This is book that I did not want to see end. I am in love with this family. All of the good food and wine, it always makes life better. So many emotions, you will laugh and cry and wring Emma's dad. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend a glass of wine while reading! I read through my kindle unlimited.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was sweet, fun and held my interest. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 3 in the D’Angelos series. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books in this series.

Beginning of Forever is the third book in the D’Angelo series! I loved the first two books in this series, but I have to say that this book was on an entirely different level.

Giovanni D’Angelo loves working in his family’s restaurant but his dream is to produce his own wine with a D’Angelo label. On Giovanni thirtieth birthday his family gave him a three-week tour through Tuscany.

Emma Rutledge family is in the wine business, she works at the company business. Her Dad keeps Emma out of the day-to-day part of the business and Emma has had enough. Her Mom talks her into to taking a tour through Tuscany with her best friend Nicole.

I’m sure you can guess that Giovanni and Emma end up on the same Tuscany tour.

This a heartwarming story that had me captivated from the start to the very end. I loved all the description as they traveled three weeks through beautiful country. The secondary characters that were on the tour were an absolute blast. Also, our favorite family the D’Angelo’s play a huge part in this story.

We were gifted with an amazing epilogue. I noticed that there is another book in this series which I am thrilled for!!

Another classic Bybee! The passion between Gio and Emma was unmistakable. Their journey was just beautiful. From Italy to California it was beautiful. I love love loved the flirtiness between the two. I laughed so much reading their beginning.
Gio is looking for the one. Someone to finally settle down with. And Emma has peaked his interest more than anyone he’s ever met. Challenge accepted.
Emma has vowed to never marry again. One failed marriage is enough. Does she even believe in true love?? But Gio is trying everything to wear her down. His sexy, flirty actions are all she seems to think about.
Will it be enough to overcome her doubts or will her past win?
Can this be the beginning of forever or will someone lose their hearts desire once and for all?

Loving this series and this family!

Catherine Bybee is such a comfort author for me, I know when I read a book from her I'm going to thoroughly enjoy it, and this one was no exception. I've really enjoyed this series and Gio was a characters I was curious about from the first book. I loved getting to see him get his happily ever after with Emma, and I loved the little dose of Italy we got in the first part of this book.

Gio has always wanted to own a vineyard, a place he could create his own wine, but he's always put his family first, and being home to help with the family restaurant was important too. Now his family is telling him it's time to put himself first and three week tour in Italy is a great place to start.

Emma's family owns a very popular wine label, and while she wants to run it her father has other plans. So a break from work might be the best thing for her and tour in Ital sounds like a good way to get away from it all.

While both of them had expectations if what they would get out of this tour, meeting someone they can't ignore wasn't one of them. But when Gio and Emma meet, there is some seriously undeniable chemistry between them, and luckily for them, it doesn't have to end when they get home, because home it just a short drive away for them back in California.

I really loved the way Gio and Emma's relationship developed in this one and I absolutely loved the way Gio cared for Emma. I loved the chemistry between the two of them and I love the way they both supported each other. It was also nice to have a low angst book to enjoy after some rather intense books. An all-around really enjoyable book and I'm very much looking forward to the next one.

I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys the following.

✔️ Italy
✔️ Wine Tours
✔️ Strangers to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Close Family (Hero)
✔️ Mending Family Relationships (Heroine)
✔️ Third Person Dual POV

Book three in the D’Angelo series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.
I adore this family! Gio is the middle child. He is suave, charming, and has a past as a player. Now that his siblings have settled down and he has his 30th birthday, he realizes he needs to look toward his future. On the heels of this realization, his family gifts him with a three-week wine tour of Tuscany. (I want to take this trip.) On the first day of the tour, he meets Emma. She looks like a hot mess, but he is captivated by her beauty and spirit. She and her friend Nicole are also taking the tour to celebrate Emma’s 30th birthday while Emma reevaluates her life and plans her future.
I loved Emma so much. She gets in her own head and worries constantly. I could relate to her as she always travels down all the roads of “what if” in her mind. Gio is charming beyond belief. They have instant chemistry that they both fight at the beginning. When they give in, it is all heat and romantic emotions. I adore how fast Gio falls completely for Emma and how Emma falls despite her efforts at resistance.
The D’Angelo family is one I want to be part of. They are loud, passionate, and full of love for all those they embrace. I adore how they support Gio in the pursuit of his dream. The way they accept and rally around Emma when she faces tough times made me melt. Gio was perfect as he supported Emma through her diagnosis and treatment. The men in this series are ovary-pooping, swoony, romantic, hotness. I loved this book more than I can express in words. Read this series.

I didn’t want this series to end & I just found out that there is a fourth book – yeah!! Giovanni D’Angelo is under pressure, from his beloved Mama, to find a wife now that his two siblings have married. He works at the family restaurant, but his goal, now that he has earned his level one sommelier, is to own his own vineyard. While on vacation in Tuscany, Gio meets Rebecca Rutledge, the daughter of the R&R Wineries in Napa Valley & Temecula, California. During the three weeks they are together, they slowly begin to fall in love. She shares her dreams of owning her own vineyard and label as well as the issues she has with her father who so far has discounted her desire to be more involved in the family business. Returning home, she soon falls in love with Gio’s family as well, but an unexpected development may put a hold on everything they have planned, their home, their business and maybe their lives. Such a beautiful love story as Rebecca stands up for herself with Gio’s support and love. A must-read series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

A beautiful and lighthearted romance with a healthy sprinkling of angst for the heroine as Giovanni D’Angelo sets off on a trip. He loves his family dearly and now they’re all happily settled it’s his turn to follow his dreams of having his own vineyard beginning with a tour of the vineyards of Tuscany. Along the way he meets fellow tourist Emma Rutledge who is on her own voyage of self discovery after realising her father will never allow her to play a serious role in the family wine business.

A fabulous hero and heroine and great development of their relationship made Beginning of Forever an easy read. Gio and Emma were made for each other, having so much in common and of course with Gio came the love and support of his family, all of whom welcomed Emma with open arms unlike certain elements of her family which made for some angsty moments especially with her father but which ultimately brings Emma closer to her brothers. I loved Catherine Bybee’s descriptions of Italy. Her words were so vivid and evocative I was instantly transported to the picturesque Tuscan countryside and touring the vineyards with Gio, Emma and the Golden Girls although the glass of wine I had when reading Beginning of Forever might’ve helped set the atmosphere for me. This entire series has been a joy to read and each book has left me with a warm feeling and a smile on my face wishing I could call the D’Angelo’s family.

Beginning of Forever is Gio and Emma’s story. A story of passion, wine, taking a chance, pairing, and following your dreams.
Gio has the support of his family (LOVE those D’Angelos) and oozes charm.
Emma is a no nonsense independent women trying to make it in spite of her family.
Together this pairing makes sweet wine and realization of dreams built of support and love.

*4.5 stars*
I am so loving this series! Beginning of Forever is the 3rd book in Catherine Bybee’s D’Angelos series and it’s another wonderful read!

Emma Rutledge and Giovanni D’Angelo’s story takes us to the Tuscany part of Italy where the two meet on a 3 week wine tour. The attraction is immediate, but Emma’s not there to start a relationship. She’s got a lot going on with dealing with her misogynistic father (the owner of their family wine business) and his lack of support of her role in the company and her ex-husband who is now technically her boss. She’s ready to buy her own vineyard and start her own label.

Gio, a sommelier who has always wanted to start his own wine company, this trip is one step closer to making that dream come true.

The more time these two spend together, it’s undeniable that Emma and Gio have amazing chemistry. Gio is so supportive of Emma and what she is going through with her family and I loved reading about their journey to love and true happiness.

With an unexpected health scare for Emma and trying to make her dreams come true with the help of Gio, the two embark on a new chapter of their lives together.

And once again, Gio’s family is there with all the love and support that we’ve come to adore in this series.

I have truly enjoyed this series and I can’t wait for more!

Romance and wine – they pair together so well and are even more delicious in the luscious Italian countryside. I loved the third installment of Catherine Bybee’s D’Angelo’s series, the Beginning of Forever. I even learned a little bit about wine along the way even though I’ve been learning and drinking wine for years. I loved how Gio and Emma come from very different backgrounds, but are unified in their passion for wine. Gio is the epitome of a charming Italian man with good manners his mama raised him with. You can’t help but love him. Emma is an underdog which makes you immediately love her. Honestly, I couldn't put this story down once I started it!

Gio wants to not only taste wine, he wants to make it. When his family gifts him a tour of Italy for his birthday, he takes it as a sign to go after what he wants most in life. Emma has wine in her blood, but she is ignored by the men in her family who want her to have nothing to do with the family business. Determined to make her own way, she takes a break from them all and goes on a tour of Italy. When our two characters meet they begin to realize they were meant for each other, but when they return home, challenges threaten to dismantle all their shared dreams.

I seriously can’t get enough of this series. Gio and Emma’s story is sweet with a lot of sass to spice things up. Emma is a strong FMC who has a softer side. She takes adversity in stride and isn’t afraid of challenge. Gio is sweet and supportive and not afraid to fight for what he wants. They are both incredibly endearing and you can’t help but want them to succeed, both in wine and in love. Plus you get to enjoy all of the D’Angelos and the chaos they bring. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every story in this series and it keeps getting better and better.

It’s time for Giovanni D’Angelo’s dreams to come true. He’s put his dreams on hold to help the family. But now that he has his sommelier certification, he’s ready to own his own vineyard. He likes his bachelor lifestyle and isn’t looking for “the one”, but he won’t mind if he finds her. That would make his mother very happy. His family gifts him a three-week vineyard tour in Tuscany. There he meets Rebecca Rutledge, daughter of the owner of one of the largest and most prestigious labels, who decided to go on this trip to get away from her family for a bit. She’s witty, smart, and capable. They have an instant connection and attraction and become closer during the three-week tour. Gio wants to continue the relationship once they return to the States and is willing to jump through some hoops to make it happen. Rebecca has a lot to deal with once they return, and Gio is there for her all the way. He is definitely a hero in my book.

I love the D’Angelo family! Catherine Bybee has created a family and friendships that are deep and meaningful. Everything isn’t perfect, nor are the people. However, the love they have for each other gives them strength and comfort. Gio backs Rebecca with her dreams and struggles, and that is what makes Gio a perfect BFF! Catherin Bybee has been a one-click author for me for many years and this book is one of my favorites. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.