4.5⭐

Beginning of Forever returns readers to the delightful D'Angelo family. Who are back together celebrating Gio's thirtieth birthday and whilst mum Mari wants him to settle down and have babies, Gio would just like to meet the one.

Especially after watching his older brother Luca fall in love and best friend Dante marry his sister Chloe, and Gio soon gets his chance. When he's gifted a three-week trip to Tuscany touring the many vineyards, the area has to offer.

And this is where he meets Emma. Who is on the same tour after quitting her job at her family run winery and taking some well earned time to herself to figure out what's next.

And sparks fly from the moment Emma and Gio meet. Although Emma isn't interested in anything long term.

Yet, time spent under the Tuscan sun, drinking wine and with the encouragement and worldly advice of the rest of the touring party, including Emma's best friend Nicole. The pair soon find themselves falling for each other and that continues when they return home to the US.

And with such engaging and charming characters and the perfect amount of sweetness and heat. Not to mention a little angst. Beginning of Forever was a super delightful easy read. That had me hooked. And it's a story I would happily recommend. Along with the other two in the series, although you can easily read this as a standalone.

I enjoyed reading Emma and Gio’s story. Travel, love, family, and wine, come together, and I could not put it down. I just wanted to hug Emma. The challenges and trust will work themselves out. Gio charmed me from his introduction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake, for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

I get very excited when I see that Catherine Bybee is publishing a new book because I know she is a very consistent writer, and I am really going to enjoy reading the book! I honestly haven't disliked anything by her that I've read!

This is the third in the D'Angelo series and is about Gio's journey to figure out what he wants to do with his life. To begin, he takes a long trip to Italy to explore vineyards and immerse himself in the wine-making culture. On this tour, he meets Emma- a young woman who has a controlling father and a big dream of making it on her own.

There are definitely sparks between Gio and Emma, but they have hurdles before they can find their HEA. One of the biggest issues is a health scare for Emma that could be deadly. Gio and his family rally around her and show her the meaning of family.

I want to be a part of the D'Angelo family! Seriously, these people are amazing! I love a book that I want to just crawl into and live in because the characters would be the bestest of friends. They are loving, Italian, amazing cooks, funny, etc...

The banter between Gio and Emma is very cheeky. You can sense the pull between them from the beginning and want to cheer them on during the entire book. The other Italy tour guests were great, too, and reminded me of a combination of The Golden Girls and Friends. Hilarious!

Giovanni D'Angelo has always dreamed of owning his own winery, even studying to be a sommelier, but it's always been family first, helping in the family restaurant. A bit of a playboy, he's now turned thirty and is ready to settle down. A birthday gift of a three week tour through the vineyards of Tuscany might help with both of those dreams as he meets his perfect woman on the tour... but Emma may need some convincing.
The tour through Tuscany was inspiring and beautifully described. The characters on their tour bus complimented the story so well and added depth and humor to the book. I think Emma and Gio were my favorite couple of the series. He's just so charming, patient, and supportive of her. And of course we get to spend more time with this awesome family when they return also. I enjoyed peeking back into the other siblings romances from the previous books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoy the characters in this series. It focuses on one family, and each book is about a different family member. In this one, we get to fall in love with Gio and Emma and their love story.

These are characters that you will want to get behind and support. Gio has a loving family, but they do want to see him married or at least in a relationship. Emma is trying to prove to her father that she can be a contributing member of the winery. Her father is a misogynist, and it won't be hard to dislike him. A secret is revealed about 2/3 of the way, which explains a lot about his behavior. It doesn't excuse his actions but does explain it a bit more.

I love the journey through Italy where Gio and Emma meet. I would love to do a wine tour! I can only imagine the experience. It doesn't hurt that both Emma and Gio have the knowledge to delve into the grapes, so to speak. I chuckled at the competition between the two in pinning down the flavor notes and other aspects of the wines they tasted.

This love story is not without its challenges. I don't want to spoil the story, but there is more than just Emma's dad throwing kinks into her life. I will say that it definitely made me misty, but so thankful it ended on a positive note.

Franny, Gio's niece, is a hoot and steals the plot at different times. Out of the mouths of babes, as they say!

Loved this book and highly recommend it, and the rest of the series too.

We give it 5 paws up.

I just want to start by saying the first reviewer on here said that the way the characters talked to each other was vulgar. I have no idea what book she read.

This third book in the series continues the story of the D'Angelo family. It's Gio's turn to fall in love and he does so on a trip to Italy where he meets Emma, who actually doesn't live to far from him in the California. Emma has had a major upheaval in her life and is determined not to get in a relationship. She's really got some big changes in her life.

I liked the part of the book that took place after they got back from their trips the best. I love Gio's family and the interactions that take place between the large group. I also liked when Emma and her mother started standing up for themselves a little more.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It makes a great summer read!

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

I loved Gio and Emma’s story in Beginning of Forever by Catherine Bybee, book three in the D’Angelos series; a sweet romance that captures you on page one, not letting go until you reach the end. Giovanni is the last D’Angelo sibling to get his happily ever after. The family gives him a gift of a three week long wine tasting tour of Tuscany for his birthday to provide inspiration for when he owns his own winery. Emma Rutledge is a wine expert who has been ignored by her father most of her life and her work in the family business disregarded and belittled. After another disappointment, she decides to take a vacation and consider her options; going on that same wine tasting tour of Tuscany, with her best friend. Meeting while on the tour in Tuscany, the attraction and chemistry sizzles between Gio and Emma as they discover they have a lot in common, besides knowing a lot about wine. It’s not long before they become inseparable. After returning to California, they prepare to take their relationship to the next level. During that time, Emma has a health scare and a dark secret is unearthed leaving her with many challenging decisions regarding her life and family. The loud but lovable D’Angelos rally around Emma and Gio and bring some joy back into their life. Through all the ups and downs, Emma realizes she can take on anything with Gio by her side.

Ms. Bybee wrote an amazing story; one that is a travelogue, a romance, a multiple family drama and a medical mystery. She compared the D’Angelo family, a family that is all about supporting and uplifting with the Rutledge’s, who are not. I loved the updates on previously spotlighted characters and Franny continues to be entertaining. I highly recommend Beginning of Forever to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This was a wonderful addition to the series. I’ve been waiting for Gio’s book and it did not disappoint.

Heading to Tuscany for three weeks, Gio is going to start working on his dream of owning his own winery. This trip is about experiencing wine at its finest and learning from the vintners. It’s not about women.

Emma is at a dead end in her job. She was passed up for a promotion (given to her ex) by her dad. She’s fed up and wants to break out on her own. As a gift, her mother treats Emma and her best friend to an all expense paid trip and the women choose Tuscany.

Gio and Emma are attracted but don’t act on it until later in the trip (who wants to be stuck on a bus with someone you had a horrible night with!).

When they come back to San Diego and Temecula, the start to give their relationship a chance. Emma has some walls up they Gio patiently breaks down all the while providing support as she figures out what she wants to do with her life and as family secrets are revealed.

Gio might be one of my favorite book boyfriends. Emma was a little impulsive for me, but I really liked how Gio’s personality complemented hers.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC.

I was first introduced to Catherine Bybee with her Richter series. Romantic suspense is my absolute favorite genre, but I enjoyed her writing so much that I decided to try her D'Angelos series. And what an emotional journey it has been. It’s raw, real, heartwrenching, and heartwarming feelings all rolled into one excellent romance series. While you can read Beginning of Forever as a standalone title, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the entire series so far and highly recommend all the books.

If inspirational and emotional reads full of a loud Italian family, hilariously frustrating travel woes, soul-searching growth, and relatable characters are what you enjoy, this book will not disappoint. As usual, Ms. Bybee’s writing and storytelling ability kept me fully engaged and not wanting to put it down, even when I wasn’t sure she would ultimately mend my broken heart. (Not to worry, it ends in a HEA!) I highly recommend it and anxiously looking forward to the next book in the series.

🍇🍷Traveling Italy & the D'Angelo clan: what could be better?!🌄

This romance had so much to like. It's filled with lively, distinct characters, from the leads and their families and friends to fellow tourists, and I loved the travel in Italy, particularly the hunt for Emma's elusive luggage😏. The plot was as engaging as the characters and the author provided a glimpse into the glorious Italian countryside.

Both lead characters are from southern California but first encounter each other in Florence. Gio D'Angelo, the male lead, has a close-knit family that keep popping in providing loving support, a bit of nagging about his single status, and some ebullient energy and candor with his young niece Franny. Emma, the female lead, has a brief, failed marriage behind her and a contentious relationship with her wine baron father that color her attitude and make her a bit thorny until Gio can prove his worth. The first meeting at the start of their three-week Italian wine tour is unusual and sets the launch of a storyline that has Emma and Gio getting to know each other while pursuing the trail of Emma's lost suitcase and sampling the local wines as they hop from town to rural villa with Emma's best friend and a small busload of fellow tourists.

Gio was the perfect hero, never pushing Emma or telling her what to do but always there when she asked for his advice or help. He and his family are the comfortable harbor when storms come to Emma's career and personal life. It's heartwarming stuff, with a just a bit of heat included to cement the physical side of the romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with this couple and the D'Angelo family in general. This is a great, feel-good story with a health scare, a good-for-nothing, corporate-climbing ex and a prickly tyrant thrown in to shake things up before a lovely ending. The book is the third in a series about the D'Angelo brood but can easily be read as a standalone.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Beginning of Forever is the third book in The D'Angelos series and while it is part of a series, you can definitely read this as a standalone. I am always excited to read a Catherine Bybee book and this one did not disappoint! I was hooked from the moment I started reading.

Giovanni D'Angelo loves his family more than anything and also enjoys working in the family restaurant, but that isn't his dream. He loves wine and his dream has always been to not only be a the sommelier he is, but to create his own wine as well. He ends up heading off on a three-week wine tour in Tuscany, and what he doesn't realize is it might just be the thing that changes his life completely.

Emma Rutledge has grown up around the wine business and has always wanted a seat at the boardroom table, but unfortunately her father doesn't seem to see it the same way. She decides it's time to make a change and so to start with, she takes a very overdue vacation that includes a trip to the wine country in Italy, where she will spend three-weeks indulging and resetting.

Gio and Emma become acquainted and friendly on the wine tour and watching them navigate one another early in their relationship was something to behold! Emma did not divulge the extent of her wine knowledge, so that was also an enjoyable part of how the story unfolded. Gio was very upfront about wanting to find a woman to spend forever with and given Emma's past history, she lets him know, that is likely not her. The way things unfold between them is enjoyable to read and mixed with the backdrop of the Italian countryside, made me want to go there now! When the three weeks are up, will Gio and Emma be able to make something work between them or will they go their separate ways? Also, a health issue that Emma never saw coming also causes her to reevaluate some things as well. Will that change how she moves forward with her future?

I adored this book. From the descriptions of where they were touring in Italy, to the relationships that were formed on the win tour, to the D'Angelo family and how they all support one another so fervently. I devoured this book and I always appreciate how real the books that Bybee pens are. I feel like you could take them right off the pages and someone could be living them right next door to me. Such a fantastic work!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

What a book hangover I have after finishing this story!! I don’t want to move on from this book’s world. Emma is an amazing heroine.. So strong! I absolutely fell in love with her and Gio!

“She’s beautiful, yes?” the older woman asked.
“A goddess among women,” he said in Italian.
The lady placed a hand to her chest.
Emma’s brow furrowed. “What did you just say?”
“I said yes.”
“I have about six words under my Italian language belt that don’t describe food, and yes is one of them.” Her hands perched on her hips.
“I said the equivalent of yes,”

Emma comes from a slightly dysfunctional family, is recently divorced, trying to strike out on her own career wise and not ready to jump into any kind of relationship. But it’s hard to resist all that is Gio D’Angelo!

“Gio turned, his shoulders pushed back. “And you are?” Gio asked.
Kyle dared him with a look. “Emma’s ex-husband. And you?”
Emma took a step closer to Gio.
“Her future,” Gio said, deadpan.”

Beginning of Forever is a stand-alone story, but the third book in The D’Angelos series. I love the D’ Angelo family and Gio is the Swooniest!!
-5+ Stars!!-

Beginning of Forever by Catherine Bybee was my first read by this talented author.

The story grabbed my attention right away and it did not falter. It was hard not to adore the entire D’Angelo family…especially smoldering, confident, calming, perfect Gio! Wow what an incredible beautiful soul, you could certainly tell this handsome Italian man was raised right. Whew!

Emma, on the other hand, was a little bit of a harder nut to crack. Her past marriage and her poor relationship with her father kept her somewhat guarded, but not in a way that was off putting. She knew herself as well as her struggles. Slowly she gives into the attraction she and Gio both feel for one another.

The first half of the book takes place while they are on vacation in Italy (where they meet) the second half in California where they both coincidentally reside. I actually felt as if I was hanging out with the entire gang while reading. Beginning of Forever wasn’t rushed and unfolded beautifully.

Looking forward to reading more books by this author! Well done!

I was so excited to come back together with the D’Angelo Family! I missed them! The Beginning of Forever centers around Gio and Emma and while it is a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I do love this family though so I would go back and read the series from the start if I were you. This is a lighthearted and fun read with beautiful scenery! Emma is relatable and tenacious and Gio is a heartthrob and if you love a big Italian family, this is a must read for you! Definitely grab your copy out 6/27!

BEGINNING OF FOREVER is the third book in the D’Angelo series! Actually, I’m hoping it will be a series and not a trilogy. That’s how much I love how much this family has found its way into my heart. Talk about an awesome family! They always have each other’s backs no matter what is going on within the family. Seriously, I want this family to adopt me! Giovanni D’Angelo loves his family and loves working in the family restaurant. But it isn’t his life long dream. He is a Sommelier and really wants to have his own vineyard! He decides to go on a three week tour of the vineyards of Tuscany. Maybe he can learn a few things that will help him to start his own vineyards. This is where he meets Emma and both of their lives will be changed forever from that very meeting.

BEGINNING OF FOREVER is lovely as we get to experience the vineyards of Tuscany with Emma and Gio. Emma’s family has been in the wine business for many decades, but she doesn’t let that bit of information out at first. It was so much fun watching Emma and Gio dance around each other. Gio is looking for his forever love and Emma lets him know, that isn’t her. Emma and Gio both deserve their happy endings, but will it be with each other? Emma also will be dealing with some health issues that will floor Gio and you won’t be able to help yourself from falling hard for him, just like Emma does.

BEGINNING OF FOREVER. I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away all of BEGINNING OF FOREVER but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! I am so hopeful that there will be another book in this series, maybe with the mom, Mari, and fall more in love with the D’Angelos. Will Emma really be able to tame the family playboy? Is Gio serious about settling down and becoming A family man with the right woman? You are going to have to read this heart warming story to find out! Their family is going to worm their way into your heart and never leave. A perfect heartfelt and wonderful story to spend the afternoon with!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'd have given this book five stars because I absolutely loved traveling through Tuscany tasting wine with Gio and Emma.  The true gold here however is in the emotional connection and the beautiful relationship that develops between Gio and Emma. The friendships, the families all just add the cherry on top. 
Gio works as the sommelier at his family restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego and dreams of traveling to the wine regions in Europe and someday creating his own wines. For his thirtieth birthday, his family gifts him with a wine tasting vacation trip to Tuscany. 
Emma is wine royalty, though her family could be considered pretty dysfunctional. Her father is a dictator and no matter what Emma does she can't seem to please him. Divorced and trying to figure out a future where she can prove herself, she takes this wine trip to Tuscany.  Sometimes it seems that things just can't go smoothly for her when the airlines lose her luggage and she's forced to wash and rinse and wear the same clothes. But the silver lining in everything is that Gio D'Angelo is in the same group, and they strike up a wonderful friendship with some sparkles. 
Back home, when things do not appear to be going well with her father, Gio comes to her help with his family and friends, investing in her business and helping her get started with her own winery. I absolutely loved how this story unfolded, the family secrets that explain her father's distance from her and eventually heal the wounds and help her develop the same closeness in her family that she envies in Gio. 
Another winner in an absolutely fabulous series.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Giovanni comes from an Italian family in San Diego. He lives on the Little Italy property owned by his family, above the restaurant where he is the sommelier. Things have all been about his brother Luca and sister Chloe getting hitched, but on his 30th birthday, he is gifted a trip around Tuscany to explore the wineries. Emma, the daughter of a Napa winery owner is there with her best friend, after she also received a gift for her 30th. When the two hit it off with their shared love with wine and the sizzling attraction, we are hit with all the feels!

𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I adored the first two stories in this series and loved how different Gio’s story is. Seeing him going from being a bit of a playboy to devoted to Emma (despite her reluctance) was adorable. Emma hasn’t had the greatest role models for healthy relationships, and despite her family’s wealth, she craves acceptance. I really appreciated how Gio was firm about never telling her what to do, but providing support and calm. The story takes you from San Diego to Florence to the Tuscan countryside and back, with fun friends, supportive family and a sprinkling of love. It’s a goodie… but make sure to catch the full series as well! ❤️

4 ½ Stars for this sweet summer romance!

I loved Emma and Gio. Neither of them was looking for a relationship, so what harm can a holiday fling do? The way Emma's father treated her ... my heart broke for her. I loved Gio's big boisterous family ... you could feel the love they felt for one another ... I so wanted that for Emma. I love Ms. Bybee's style of writing as she makes the banter between the characters very realistic. This is a great addition to the series!

Gio's family sends him on a much-needed vacation ... three weeks touring the Tuscany vineyards. The perfect vacation for the sommelier who has always wanted his own vineyard. After Emma quits the family business, she needs to get away. So, she goes to Tuscany with a girlfriend ... what better way to see if she can build her own wine empire without any help from her father. There's an instant connection between Gio and Emma when they meet on the vineyards tour. Will they be able to keep it to a vacation fling?

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley.

I was struggling between 3.5 and 4.0, so I rounded up because I really like this author, and the story line was good and original. I especially liked that even though this was a romance, there was so much else going on.

There were some steamy parts and a bit of foul language that I don't care for - that is why it didn't end up being a 5.

The family drama and a twist in the story that I did not see coming made this an original story - not like all the other ones I am used to reading. The main character was a strong female, which always makes me like the story more.

I will look for Catherine Bybee's next book.

Catherine Bybee does not disappoint in this third installment of the the D'Angelos family series! I loved following Gio and Emma's journey from their meeting on a wine tour in Italy back to the States. I absolutely fell for both of them. Gio is charming, kind, loyal, and patient. Emma has real strength of character as she battles for her place in her family-run vineyard. The family dynamics, both positive and negative, were an interesting layer to their story.

The infusion of wine and vineyard culture throughout the story had me dreaming of a visit to Tuscany, Italy and Temecula, California. Bybee brought both places so vividly to life.

The characters face challenges, Emma in particular. This too makes for a more complex and interesting storyline. I enjoyed how it all came together in the end.

Although I recommend reading the entire series, this can be read as stand alone. It's worth a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.