Monday, May 9, 2016

Book & Audio Review: Doing It Over by Catherine Bybee



Doing it Over by Catherine Bybee



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, April 19, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, River Bend, Oregon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  334 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo, and Zoe, by her side, and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might have turned the corner on a new life.
Wyatt Gibson never liked the big city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?



Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27852590-doing-it-over

Praise for Doing It Over
“The romance between fiercely independent Melanie and charming Wyatt heats up even as outsiders threaten to derail their newfound happiness. This novel will hook readers with its warm, inviting characters and the promise for similar future installments.” –Publishers Weekly

 This brand-new trilogy, Most Likely To, based on yearbook superlatives, kicks off with a novel that will encourage you to root for the incredibly likable Melanie. Her friends are hilarious and readers will swoon over Wyatt, who is charming and strong. Even Melanie’s daughter, Hope, is a hoot! This romance is jam-packed with animated characters, and Bybee displays her creative writing talent wonderfully. –RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
Vikki’s Musings

I became a huge fan of Catherine Bybee’s when I read her Not Quite series, which is fantastic. When I received an invitation from Ms. Bybee’s publisher, via Net-Galley, to read this book in exchange for an honest review, I eagerly accepted. I thoroughly enjoyed Doing It Over. This great book is in the Kindle Unlimited program, and if you’re a member you can read and listen for free!

Melanie Bartlett is back in River Bend for her ten-year class reunion. Her car died just short of town and there’s no fixing it. When Miss Gina offers her a place to stay in exchange for help running her B & B, she accepts. After all, there’s nothing for her in Bakersfield, where she’s been living. At least in River Bend, she has friends.

Wyatt Gibson tries to give Mel a ride when her car breaks down, but all she will accept is a call for a tow truck. He quickly realizes he has his work cut out if he wants Mel to trust him. The ruggedly handsome builder is determined to find out where their instant attraction will lead.

When Mel’s daughter is placed in harm’s way, Mel and Wyatt must work together to keep her safe. Will his desire to protect her child help him win her heart?

Doing It Over is more than a romance, it’s a story of enduring friendship and a woman’s determination to raise her daughter on her own. The book is a fast and enjoyable read. The romance between Wyatt and Mel is fulfilling, and I really wanted them to find their happy ending.

Melanie is an endearing character with a good amount of depth. Her fierce determination to be the best mother possible to her delightful daughter, Hope, touched the nurturer in me. While I was not a single mom, I was a Navy wife, so I basically raised my son on my own. I could definitely identify with her feelings and struggles.

Wyatt’s character is awesome, and he’s the type of hero I enjoy a lot. He is an all-around good guy, not a playboy, just a hard working man. He doesn’t have much baggage, so it’s easy for him to fall in love with Mel and Hope. He knows he can’t have Mel with Hope, but that is not a problem because the little girl is adorable and easy to love.

There is excellent chemistry between Mel and Hope, but what is even better is the friendship that develops. I also love Mel’s two best friends. I particularly liked Zoe and look forward to her story.

I listened to the audio version by Cristina Panfilio, and I enjoyed her performance a great deal. She does an excellent job with the male characters and gives each character a distinct voice. She reads with just the right amount of emotion without going too far. This is the first book I have listened to by her and will definitely look for others with her as the narrator.

If you like a romance with great characters, an interesting plot and wonderful secondary characters, then you will enjoy Doing It Over. This is another promising series of small-town life and friendship with down-to-earth characters. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in 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 and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.  

CONTACT LINKS:


Rafflecopter Drawing:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

No comments:

Post a Comment