Welcome back to Little Italy and the D'angelos.

Add in a wine tasting trip to Italy, a lovely lady from Temecula and the Golden Girls, and you get this fabulous installment of the D'Angelo series.

There is so much different between Emma and Gio's family, his full of love, hers part love, part... well, not sure what you would call it.

But their love of wine (in a non-alcoholic way) is what brings their love story to life.

I loved the imagery of the Italian landscape, made me want to be on the tour, eating all the cheese boards (because I don't like wine, but the cheese and crackers, nom nom nom)

I thing Emma and Gio should have their own show on the Food Network, with their tour friends as special guests!

I really enjoyed this series, this family and their HEAs

I love this series and this one is my favorite! Gio is such a great guy and I loved Emma. I loved how Gio balanced Emma out with carefully chosen words and sound advice. I loved the glimpses of Tuscany and the friends they made while on the tour. This book has such a great story, lots of heart warming interactions, plenty of heat and of course a HEA. I rarely read a book in a day but I did this one….I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend!

4.5 ⭐️
I jumped on the opportunity to read this advanced copy when I saw it on NetGalley. I’ve read every Catherine Bybee book I could get my hands on, including the first two in this D’Angelo family series. This is the third in that series. Giovanni D’Angelo has set aside his playboy lifestyle. He’s seen his siblings fall in love and he’s ready for that. Gio is ready to settle down with someone when he happens to meet Emma on a wine tour in Italy. Emma is divorced and never wants to marry again. She’s spent enough time under the control of her father and ex. She has big plans for her life that don’t include a man or family.

Throughout their 3 week wine tour, Gio slowly starts to break down Emma’s walls. After they return home and he realizes he wants Emma to be his forever, he sets out to teach her that being in a loving, committed relationship doesn’t have to mean control. Gio is the book boyfriend we all want. He supports Emma through all of her family drama and even through a health scare. He is an absolute rock in his love & dedication to Emma. And he supports her while allowing her to be herself and make her own choices. Their banter was so fun to read, especially when they were wine taste challenging each other. And their chemistry was palpable.

Catherine painted a picture of the Italian country side so well that I actually felt I was on the trip with them. Her characters have flaws but big hearts. She takes the time to develop the story & characters so nothing feels rushed. The D’Angelo family is so charming I want them to be my family too. And although Salena is technically not a D’Angelo, I hope she gets a story within this series. I’m not ready to say goodbye to this family.

𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘧 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 follows Giovanni and Emma touring the vineyards of Italy amidst planning to open a vineyard of their own and falling in love.

- ~ -

Gio has always been the player but now that he's thirty, he's ready to settle down with the right woman and finally open up a vineyard of his own.

Emma hates the misogyny of never being able to work upto her full potential in her father's company and to show him all that she's worth, she's decided to put her trust fund to good use.

Emma and Gio were sweet. Never did expect Gio to retire from being a lady's man but he's turned all his charm onto Emma now and it made up for a very swoony read.

Can't believe after all this time, this series is over... although I may've made some assumptions to believe Salena's story is in the works? Who knows?

- ~ -

3.78 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Very enjoyable general fiction/romance novel. After getting passed over for a deserved promotion in her family wine business. Emma Rutledge decides to take her best friend on a three week vineyard tour of Italy. Having just turned 30 she is rethinking her future options and isn’t looking for romance. On the tour she meets Giovanni D’Angelo who is a sommelier at his family’s Italian restaurant. He is the dreamy and silly as they flirt and challenge each others wine knowledge. It is an added bonus that he lives in San Diego only thirty minutes from her home.

This book comes with just the right heat and their passion continues when they return home. Emma still has daddy issues wanting her father to value her like he does her brothers. And with her mother’s help she has access to vines that could produce her own label of wine. I love how supportive Gio is of Nessa and her dreams while not giving up on his own. (Although she is the focus of the story.) I like how Nessa’s mother swoons at his flintiness marveling and asking where her daughter found this man. The angst moment is a medical issue that I was unfamiliar and isn’t something that is going to push the two apart. His welcoming family are wonderful additions and I assume are the romances in the previous two books in the series.

I enjoyed this enough that I want to read the other two books in The D’Angelos series when I get my TBR pile under control (life goals). And I will look for new books from Catherine Bybee. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (4.5 Stars)

I absolutely loved this book. The way the two main characters are connected, with lots of interesting details given to their backgrounds, is clever and engaging. There are several themes/morals, relating to family, friendship, love etc but the storyline takes an unexpected turn; if it wasn't for the quality of the narrative, it might seem like 2 separate stories. However, Bybee uses her wonderful storytelling to maintain the threads and keep the reader enthralled. It's made me want to read more from her!

Gio’s family give him a wine trip to Italy as a birthday present and there he meets Emma who is on holiday with a friend. Gio has always had a passion for wine and Emma’s family business is wine so they bond over wine during their trip. The more time they spend together the closer they become. Emma is going through changes with her work and family so is not looking for a serious relationship, but she cannot deny her attraction to Gio. Gio sees the strong, beautiful, determined woman Emma is and wants nothing more than to break through her barriers. When their trip is ending Emma realizes that she does want more from Gio as she cannot bare to be parted from the handsome, loving, caring and loyal man. Emma needs to sort out her family/work situation when they return and Gio is there for her every step of the way. Things become even more complicated by health issues for Emma, but again Gio and his amazing family who have grown to care for Emma are there for her. I loved seeing the rest of the Di Angelo’s again. Their whole family dynamic is amazing and you just want to be invited to one of their dinners! I liked how eventually Emma’s family where there for her too. I thought Emma & Gio were an amazing couple and just seemed to fit so well together. This story definitely left me feeling happy & content.

BOOK REVIEW: Beginning of Forever by @catherinebybee1 is the third book in The D'Angelos series releasing June 27th 2023.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really loved emma and gio’s story its a super cute read its the first book I’ve read by this author thank you to Catherine @netgalley & @amazon_publishing for the chance to read this book!

Beginning of Forever is such a fantastic read. This is book 3 in the D'Angelos series which means it is time for Gio to find his love. Gio is all about wine and as much as he enjoys working for the family restaurant his passion is wine. Emma comes from a winery owned family and that is what she knows. She wants to be more in the family business and you feel for her with how she is treated. A chance meet on a wine tour in Italy sends sparks flying for Gio and Emma. They have common passion and new goals that make them so close. I love Gio's heart and passion. Emma is full of fire and has amazing plans for the future. I love how Gio is there for Emma every step of the way when life becomes more challenging. Emma and Gio have this love that will just overflow your heart. I love how the D'Angelos just all rally around Gio and Emma when they need it the most. I just could not get enough of this one. I did not want it to end. I love the entire D'Angelos family so much. If you haven't had a chance to meet them yet do so now.

I somehow didn't realize that this is the third book in a series but it can be read as a standalone. I was in the mood to read a book set in Europe and I really liked that it involved a tour of Tuscany. That was my favorite part of the book though I still enjoyed the story when the action returned to California. The cast of characters on the tour were a hoot! I liked the romance between Gio and Emma though it was a bit superficial on his side at first. I appreciated that there wasn't a "big breakup" between the two as there often is in romance. I felt a lot of sympathy for Emma because of the family she grew up in--cold and demanding and the exact opposite of Gio's warm Italian family. Overall I thought this novel was a fun escape to Italy and I might pick up the rest of the series or check out some of the author's other books.

A wonderful read! This was my introduction to Catherine Bybee and it was fantastic! A story of love and family. I need to read more of the D’Angelo family.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book.

"Beginning of Forever" by Catherine Bybee is an absolute must-read. It is the 3rd book in the series and I am hard-pressed to pick a favorite. BUT this may be it. It is a captivating and fun-filled reading experience that will keep you hooked until the very end. If you like a good contemporary romance with a healthy dose of humor and heartfelt moments, this is the perfect read for you.

This book had me captivated from the very beginning. Catherine has a way of immediately drawing the reader into the lives of the storyline. I almost always find her writing style engaging, witty, and filled with charm,

The chemistry between Giovanna and Emma is electric. Bybee skillfully weaves their journey together creating tension that had me from the start.

"Beginning of Forever" is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance looking for a fun and engaging journey. Catherine Bybee has once again delivered a remarkable story filled with laughter, heart, and a sprinkle of magic.

I highly recommend picking up this book

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion and review.

I have loved each story of the D'Angelo family. It's hard to say which one is my favorite. But I truly loved Gio and Emma's story. The author paints a picture so well that I can see each scene clearly in my head. This story has all the emotions. The contrast in the family relationships of Emma and Gio was fascinating. I was so impressed by Emma and loved Gio for the way he supported her through the challenges she faced. The book made me laugh and definitely made me cry. I definitely have a crush on Gio now! I'd do a tour in Italy if I could meet my own Gio! =) I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

So good! The end.

Seriously though, this is Gio’s story and for his birthday, the family sends him to Italy on a wine tour where he meets Emma. Emma’s dad owns a huge wine label, but doesn’t let her use her full potential at work. She’s on the tour after sort of quitting when passed over for a promotion that was given to her ex-husband.

This story sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. The family dynamics are so well done and the romance and chemistry is off the charts. I love this series so much, but the stories are standalone if you haven’t read previous books!

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

There are 3 D’Angelo children, Luca, Chloe and Gio. This is the 3rd in the series and is about Gio and his dream of owning his own vineyard. While this is a stand-only book, you understand all the characters if you read the other 2 books. You won’t be disappointed when you do!
Gio’s family gifts him with a 3-week tour of Italy.
Emma and her BFF, Nicole decided to take a sudden 3-week tour of Italy. Emma’s family owns vineyards in Napa Valley.
No big surprise that they end up on the same tour and the chemistry between Gio and Emma is dynamic. They are both from CA and live within an hour of each other and head home after the tour. Of course, they can’t stay away from each other.
Catherine Bybee does it again. Another fantastic book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

i honestly tried my best to like this book, but it just wasn’t for me. maybe i will come back to it, and maybe it was just the wrong time to read it, but i just do not connect to the storyline or the characters which is so annoying because i had really high hopes for this one. i understand the premise, and it’s clear that others find it very captivating, but i was just bored most of the time and found it to be a bit too lusty at times where it was unnecessary. i will put it on my list for next year and may have formed new opinions on this novel by then!

thank you to netgallery and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Giovani has always wanted his own wine label and now his family is giving him a tour of Tuscany, and of wines. Emma Rutledge is having problems with her father as he has given her ex a promotion at their wine company with no regard for her. As she leaves she reminds him that it is her birthday. Giovanni and Emma meet on the tour along with others and that really makes for a fun part of the story. When they get back he still wants to see her since they live close to one another as they meet and she is introduced to his loud Italian family with much food the story takes a different turn she finds a health issue and he is there for her and she decides to fight her father on the property to get out from under his control all the while he is there at her side, will they stay together you must read the book to find out. A very good story with wonderful characters.

I am NEVER disappointed by Catherine Bybee. This series is one of my favorites as it envelops you in into the characters' lives and families and you REALLY feel as if you know them! Love, family connections, and extremely relatable.

Gio is the last of the D’Angelo siblings to get married. Emma is a recent divorcee whose father is employing her ex-husband that has just taken her job venture away from her. They both happen to be on the same Italy wine tour as well as only living about an hour apart in their home state of California. Emma is struggling to figure out if there is a place for her in the family business and how to stand up for herself to her father. She finds this with Gio who listens and talks her through her trials and tribulations. Emma goes through a health scare to which Gio is there for her. Their relationship is truly heartwarming, I couldn't get enough!

After reading this, I want to take a wine tour in Italy right away!! This book can be read as a standalone from the other 2 in the series, but I feel like to know all the characters it would be best read in order. Bybee tackles many topics in the novel but done in such a great way that it doesn't feel too long.

If you like books that discuss family (love & troubles), dealing w/health issues, relatable characters, and WINE; please give this book (& series) a shot!

A special thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this as an ARC. I am truly grateful.

Gio D’Angelo is the last of the three D’Angelo siblings to find the ‘One’. He had a dream of owning having his own vineyard to make his own wine, and have a wife and family. He helps in the family restaurant and helps his family where he can. For his birthday they gave him trip to Italy on a wine tour and little did he know there was more than wine he would get to taste. Emma Rutlidge was also given a trip on the same tour and to wanted to won her own vineyard and make wine. She came from a famous family from Napa that was world renowned for their wines. And little did she know that she would be meeting the man she always dreamed of having. And that they shared a dream. When they return to California, and start to share their lives, a life-threatening medial issue for Emma and she realizes that she has found more than a partner to make wine, but a man that will put her first in his life and that is something Emma has never had from the one she wanted it from.

All of the books in this series have been emotional, but this one really worked on my heartstrings and I had to grab more than a few tissues. The chemistry between Emma and Gio right from the start was electric and watching them through the pages of this book fall in love and wish for a romance that started under the Tuscan skies and the beauty of the California wine countries was so magical. There was more than grapes growing in wine country, but love, family and forever.

Catherine Bybee knows how to tell a story that will keep her readers turning the pages to see what happens next. Little does she know, but she has helped me understand what my oldest brother was going through and unlike Emma, he was not so lucky... so thank you Catherine.

A five star++++ book.

I was given a copy of this book through Netgalley for my honest review.

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Love, romance & suspenseful! Would love to read more from this author! Made me feel like I was part of the book.