by: Catherine Bybee
Series: Most Likely To Series
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 24, 2017
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Zoe Brown may have been voted Most Likely to Never Leave River Bend, but the paper-thin walls and suffocating air of her family’s double-wide trailer were not what she wanted for her life. Other than BFFs Melanie and Jo, the only thing that kept Zoe sane during high school was her boyfriend, Luke.
She didn’t just leave, she escaped—turning her back on the shame of her black-sheep siblings and imprisoned dad. Now a celebrity chef in Dallas, she can afford all the things she never could have growing up. But when she returns to rustic, ruggedly beautiful River Bend, Zoe has to face all that she abandoned—including Luke.
While Luke was a refuge for Zoe in the past, he knows they inhabit totally different worlds now. Anchored by his parents and his job as a mechanic in his father’s shop, Luke never felt the urge to leave River Bend—until Zoe’s return.
But when the two rekindle their old flame, Zoe is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: remain in River Bend and confront her past before it destroys her, or say good-bye to everyone she’s ever loved…again, this time for good.
She didn’t just leave, she escaped—turning her back on the shame of her black-sheep siblings and imprisoned dad. Now a celebrity chef in Dallas, she can afford all the things she never could have growing up. But when she returns to rustic, ruggedly beautiful River Bend, Zoe has to face all that she abandoned—including Luke.
While Luke was a refuge for Zoe in the past, he knows they inhabit totally different worlds now. Anchored by his parents and his job as a mechanic in his father’s shop, Luke never felt the urge to leave River Bend—until Zoe’s return.
But when the two rekindle their old flame, Zoe is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: remain in River Bend and confront her past before it destroys her, or say good-bye to everyone she’s ever loved…again, this time for good.
REVIEW
*This book does contain scenes of domestic violence. *
Staying for Good is the standalone second book in Catherine Bybee’s Most Likely To Series. This is a second chance love story focusing on Zoe Brown and Luke Miller. Zoe and Luke were high school sweethearts who came from opposites worlds. Luke has always been the pride and joy of his parents. His father owns the automotive repair shop in Red River and his mother takes care of the family. Zoe’s father was abusive and went to prison. Her mother worked several jobs and was barely able to take care of the family. Where Luke found comfort and security within his home, Zoe had to look elsewhere. She found safety with Gina, owner of the B&B who became like a second mother to her. She also found a motherly figure in Luke’s mother, who helped cultivate her cooking skills. But above everything else, she found true friendship with Melanie Bartlett, Jo Ward, and Luke Miller.
Everyone assumed Zoe and Luke would get married and have a family of their own. That’s why Zoe was voted most likely to Never Leave Red River. But with Zoe’s abusive upbringing, she refused to have something bad happen to Luke and wake up one morning and find herself living like her mother, with three kids to take care of and living in a trailer that barely kept the cold out. This fear caused Zoe to bolt from Red River right after graduation and only make a handful of sporadic visits.
All of this changes with their ten year high school reunion. Melanie returned, bringing unwanted drama with her. But she also met someone and fell in love. Now, Zoe finds herself returning often to help plan a wedding. She soon discovers that no matter how much she wanted to leave Red River behind, her heart always remained.
Luke spent ten years trying to get over Zoe, but his heart refused to move on. When Zoe returned for the reunion and then kept returning, he knew he had to try to convince Zoe they deserved another chance. As the two start to get closer, Zoe finds herself in family drama. Luke reverts back to being her support system and knows there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her, even leave Red River.
Get your tissues ready. Catherine Bybee has written a second chance love story of a love that's never gone away. Staying for Good is also a story of survival and overcoming your past. Of course, Catherine puts in a little suspense, which has you on the edge of your seat. Catherine Bybee is simply a master at what she does.
I’m on pins and needles waiting for the third and final book in the series, Making it Right. The story is surely to answer some questions brought up in Doing it Over.
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed the book.**
Rating: 5
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(Clicking on the book covers will take you to Amazon.)
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I definitely want to read this book. it sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteYou should. Catherine is amazing!
DeleteI have read a couple of her books and enjoyed them a lot.
DeleteGood. I'm glad you enjoyed them.
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