Member Reviews
I have been anxiously awaiting this book in the D'Angelo series! LOVED Gio and Emmas love story so much! It is the third in the series and we got to catch up with the other couples too. With a shared interest of wine these two meet in Italy on a wine tour. Gio knows exactly what he wants in life, a family and to finally settle down. Emma on the other hand is career driven and set out to make it on her own. The attraction between the two is undeniable and they finally give in.
I enjoyed the slower pace in this book so much, every plot line was well developed. I hope that this isn't the last book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I just LOVE the D’Angelo family series. I was so happy to revisit the story of this family and dive into Gio’s story. This book was the perfect blend of emotion, family drama and steam 🔥 Gio and Emma’s relationship had me laughing, gasping and wanting to get on the next flight to Tuscany or Temecula for wine tasting 🍷
Thank you Montlake and Net Galley for the ARC!
I got this book as an advanced copy from Net Galley! It was such a sweet romance centered around Gio, the last of his family to fall in love and Emma, the wine expert that was been ignored by her father most of her life and ignored in the family business.
Emma and Gio meet in Italy a winery/vineyard tour and the author does a great job of building their connection and relationship. The stint in Europe wasn’t rushed and you could really enjoy the slow burn. Once returned to the States the relationship speeds along through Emma’s fight to gain control despite her Father’s wishes and some frightening medical news. The twist of medical struggles was not as rushed as the suspenseful ends of her previous books of this series.
Overall I enjoyed this read and loved visiting the D’Angelo family again!
OMG...I laughed, I cried, I totally felt for both Gio and Emma! This 3rd book in the D'Angelo's series was just so good!
Emma, wanting her father to be proud of her and acknowledge her as a valuable member of the family vineyard business, finally is figuring out that it just doesn't look like it will happen. She takes birthday money from her mom, and she and her BFF head off to Italy for a wine tour of Italy.
Giovanni, still working in the family restaurant business, is a sommelier, but wants to try his hand at having his own vineyard and label. For his birthday, he is given the 'trip of a lifetime' by his family to take a wine tour of Italy.
Three weeks in Italy becomes the beginning for Emma and Gio. Hijinks and happiness over the vacation become more serious as they spend lots of time together. Coming back to the states, they both realize they want to make changes in their lives that will impact both of their families. As they head further into a full-blown relationship, will a medical issue cause a split between them and some family members, or will they be able to weather this storm and come through it more fulfilled than ever.
Catherine Bybee just knows how to put heart and soul into her books. Beginning of Forever is another example of a full out, take no prisoners, life changing love story that she writes so well.
This book is #3 in The D'Angelo's series. It can be read as a standalone, but you would have a bit more history of the family and why they are so close knit if you read the first two books!
Thanks to Montlake and the author for an ARC of this book. The review is my own.
Although this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone. Set in Tuscany and centred around wine growing what’s not to love?
I received a free copy of, Beginning of Forever, by Catherine Bybee, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book has a lot about wine in it. Gio and Emma meet at a winery in Tuscany, they decide to make a go of their relationship and make their own wine, until life happens. I liked this book but I did not like the language, and how the family talked to each other, vulgar at times.
3.75 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley for an early e-copy of this book. Below is my honest review:
This is my first time reading a book by Catherine Bybee, and it was quite a wonderful experience. Emma and Gio have grown up in startlingly contrasting families. Gio comes from warm, Italian loving, while Emma comes from cold, distant obligation. The one thing they have in common: their love for wine. Beginning of Forever follows Gio and Emma as they traipse through the beautiful landscapes of Italy as they both realise what they value most and how to achieve their goals. The romance was sweet, and there were plenty of characters to add layers to the story. Despite it being the 3rd book in the series, it can be read as a standalone even though events of the previous books are mentioned. Filled with family, friends, and plenty of wine, this was a thoroughly enjoyable romance that makes you wish you were on an Italian vacation.
Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book. Below is my honest review.
Note: This can be read as a standalone, however, events from the first two D’Angelo books are mentioned. Even though it isn’t necessary, I believe this book is more enjoyable if you have read the first two books in the series.
This book centers on the last D’Angelo sibling — Gio D’Angelo. After the events of the past few years put his life on hold, Gio’s family gifts him a trip to Italy for his 30th birthday to help kick start his future career as a sommelier.
Emma works for her families winery, and wants to branch out after her father promotes her ex-husband. To make matters worse, her ex is now her new boss. Needless to say, Emma is looking for a new opportunity. Before taking the leap, she decides to take a vacation for the first time in forever.
Will sparks fly between the two?
I loved the first book in this series and adored the sequel. I was quite excited for Gio’s installment, especially after his trip to Italy in book 2. This book did not disappoint. It had all the fun, romance, and emotion of a Bybee book. I couldn’t get enough of Gio and Emma…but this book really shines with the addition of its side characters. Not only did we spend time with all of the D’Angelos, but we met quite the motley group in Italy…including four women dubbed the Golden Girls. Those ladies were a riot!
If you have enjoyed any of this authors books before, or enjoy a romance with a few twists and turns, then this book is definitely for you.
So so so fun. I am in love with the D’Angelos and I really hope this isn’t the last of them. I liked every subsequent book better than the last. This one, the story of Gio, is fantastic and I love that’s it’s half in Tuscany and half in Cali. More please!!
A month in Italy. Wine tasting and meeting with the makers. A whole group of strangers. Gio is off for an adventure and Emma is there to learn even more for when she returns home.
Emma is wine royalty but doesn't feel loved or appreciated by her father. She is done with him and Kyle. Casa de Emma is born!
Gio wants many of the same things but wants them with Emma. With unexpected turn of events and a few heartfelt moments, we learn the truth.
I love Emma ans Gio's story! I can't wait for the next book!
#Netgalley
The D’Angelo family has a special bond. You see this more than ever in the 3rd book of the series. Gio and Emma’s story is full of love and respect during the fun times and even more so during the hard times. I loved getting to read this book. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Catherine Bybee did it again!
I’ve been a fan of Catherine Bybee’s work since stumbling upon the Weekday Brides series on Kindle Unlimited so I was really excited to see the newest and last installment of the D’Angelos series of contemporary romances. While I enjoyed this series, I find that I prefer her books with more romantic suspense elements. The Richter series became a quick favorite.
Beginning of Forever follows Giovanni D’Angelo and can be read as a standalone although it’s best to read When It All Falls Apart (Luca and Brooke) and Be Your Everything (Chloe and Dante) first since both couples make appearances in this book post HEA. With his siblings both happily coupled, Giovanni is on the hunt for a wife and for a wine business to call his own.
Giovanni’s love interest is Emma Rutledge, divorced daughter of a winery owner who refuses to acknowledge her contributions in the workplace. I wanted to love Emma a lot more than I did, especially knowing how hard it can be for women in certain industries, but I found her to be a bit flat. I also found myself noticing comments here and there that enforce gender stereotypes. There was this one moment where Emma is conflicted over Giovanni treating her with chivalry because she’s a “feminist”. Other instances include mention of women bonding over clothes and a large garage with enough storage for all the stuff men put in there. Really? This book also makes mention of the pandemic which some people (myself included) don’t particularly like in a romance novel.
The strongest part of this series is the D’Angelo family: loud, boisterous, and wine/food-loving. Heck, I want to be a part of that family! I loved the group scenes and Emma’s friendship with Nicole. The descriptions of Giovanni’s trip across Italy made me want to plan a visit. I do wish the book focused more on the travels and slow burn romance between Giovanni and Emma over Emma’s struggles with her family and health issues. The health scare in particular seemed very out of the left field and unnecessary considering that the book would end in a HEA. Definitely consider this novel one of Bybee’s weaker works but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Another great book in the D’Angelo series & it did not disappoint! I’ve loved reading the stories of each of the D’Angelo children and especially enjoy how family plays a big part in each of their journeys. The extra characters we get to meet on Emma’s & Gio’s trip are all entertaining and quickly become a part of their story. I was rooting for Emma though her health scare and through the ups and downs (ok mostly downs) of her relationship with her father and think those storylines helped make this book so interesting. It’s hard to pick a favorite D’Angelo book but this one is absolutely in the top 3 haha! I loved it!
I love the D’Angelos!! This was a great next book in the series. So romantic yet a bit steamy! Great story of my favorite characters. So many beautiful visualizations. I hope there will be more!
Nothing makes me happier than a new book by Catherine Bybee. Beginning of Forever, Dante's story, does not disappoint.. It was worth the wait to see his and Emma's story play out. they way it did. They two of them definitely deserve a follow-up story. I hope the feed back from this series is continually positive. I think there are several more storylines that deserve their own books.
Beginning of Forever, like all of Catherine Bybee’s books, touches her readers’ emotions on so many levels. This one is a travelogue, a romance, a multiple family drama and a medical mystery. The author contrasts the D’Angelo 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 a hoot! This book should not be missed! I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
Let me say... There are few authors whos books I will do just about anything for. I discovered Catherine Bybee last month while starting out on Netgalley and I was hooked with that first read. If you haven't read the D'Angelo Series... I highly recommend it.
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Beginning of Forever by @catherinebybee is the third book in the D'Angelo Series and it was... *Chef's Kiss* Perfect!
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Let me put it this way... there are three things I love in this book...
✅ Italian Vineyards
✅ Wine
✅ Giovanni D'Angelo
The banter between our two main characters - Giovanni and Emma is somehow adorable and hot at the same time. The steam is... well... Steamy. But the care and love we see from Giovanni? Oh... Em... Geeee - Cue girly squeals over here!
But there is also so much personal growth from Emma that I was seriously rooting for her to succeed even without Gio there.
I felt an instant connection to her as a character and loved that she was a strong but vulnerable female. She needed a couple of pushes in the right direction... But who doesn't once in a while?
Seriously friends.... Every moment of this book was just wonderful for me. This book brought me to tears, it made me laugh, it made me sign and it made my heart swoon.
This book is an easy 5⭐️s and I'm not sure how I'll be able to wait until June 27th, 2023 to add it to my bookcase!
I wasn’t sure how it was going to go with Gio and him being labeled as a player and all, but oh my goodness y’all! I swooned right along with Emma. I now have a need to go on a 3 week wine tour in Tuscany and I don’t even drink wine!
I loved the different family dynamics and how they all interacted. I finished reading the book over a week ago and I’m still randomly thinking about it throughout the day. That’s when you know you have read a really great book.
Thank you Catherine Bybee, NetGalley Montlake for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
Beginning of Forever is the third book in Catherine Bybee's D'Angelos Family series. After reading the first 2 books in the series, I could not imagine how the third book could be as engaging. I've been in love with Gio since I read the first book! He is definitely my version of a "Prince Charming"! Emma Rutledge and her family are multi-dimensional characters and blend nicely with The D'Angelos! As a long-time fan of of Ms. Bybee's novels, I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I hoping for more of The D'Angelos! Thanks to Netgalley, Montlake Publishing and Ms. Bybee for the ARC!
I very much enjoyed this story, which didn’t surprise me at all, given that I already knew I enjoy Catherine Bybee’s storytelling. I definitely got the feeling that I was missing out by not having read the first two books in the D’Angelos series, but I think fans of the first two books are going to dive right in and enjoy familiar characters.
What I enjoyed:
✔️ Gio is supportive of a Emma as strong woman instead of being a controlling “alpha”
✔️ Partnership that is built on respect and genuinely enjoying each others company (not just insta-love)
✔️ Side characters that are fun and interesting but don’t overtake the main story
✔️ The progression from holiday romance to building something together
All in all, a very enjoyable book and I’m already planning to get the first two in the series so I can see what I’m missing out on with the rest of the D’Angelo family!
Thank you to Catherine Bybee, Montlake publishing, and Netgalley for a chance to read this story!
Read date: 01/23/2302- 01/27/2023
Review shared on Goodreads: 01/27/2023
Review shared on Instagram: 01/28/2023