Faking Forever (First Wives, #4)

by Catherine Bybee

[Sam@WLABB]

I just realized that this was my 19th Bybee book. Obviously, there is something about her books that keeps me coming back, and all those things were well represented in Faking Forever.

I had been eagerly awaiting Shannon's story. She was one of the few "wives", who actually fell in love during her arranged marriage, but unfortunately, the feeling wasn't mutual. I so wanted her to move past her heartbreak and find her HEA, and I absolutely adored the man she was paired with.

Victor seemed an unlikely match for Shannon given the circumstances under which they met. Shannon found him quite repugnant, and even felt that his bride-to-be deserved better. But, Shannon discovered a very different side of Victor during their time in Mexico, and that was the Victor she wanted to know better.

The growth both Victor and Shannon experienced was great. Shannon opened up and shed her quiet and reserved girl persona. She began speaking up and demanding more attention, while also opting for the less "safe" choices. Shannon said goodbye to her past and started moving towards her future, and I fell short of doing a slow clap for her. Seriously, I was really proud.

Meanwhile, Victor began putting more time into his personal relationships and being more honest with those around him as he started to see his future being about more than his business. It was fabulous seeing the contrast between how he was with Shannon and how he had been with his ex. It really clearly displayed how genuine his feelings were for Shannon.

Other things I really liked:

• I had a lot of fun in Mexico with Shannon, Victor, and the rest of their Tulum crew.

• This group of women have such a wonderful and fierce friendship. The way they drop what they are doing to come to each other's aid or how they support one another, even if they don't agree with that person was a beautiful thing.

• It was terribly fun having all the couples so present in this story. This first wives family has grown over the course of the series, and I was thrilled to see them all settling into their HEAs.

• The 3 month countdown!

• The ending was so fun! What a nice way to send the group off into sunset.

Overall: A mighty fine ending for a series, that gave me fabulous heroines, great heroes, and heartwarming HEAs.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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