Step into the dazzling world of the First Wives series by Catherine Bybee, where romance, suspense, and fierce female friendships collide! This contemporary romance saga follows a group of women navigating love and life after divorce, proving second chances can spark thrilling adventures. With heart-pounding plots and empowering themes, First Wives has won over readers craving stories of resilience and romance.
Bybee, a New York Times bestselling author, crafts tales that blend steamy chemistry with pulse-racing drama, all anchored by strong, relatable heroines. Whether you’re a romance devotee or new to the genre, this series offers a perfect mix of heart and intrigue.
How First Wives Began
Catherine Bybee, a former nurse turned full-time writer, drew inspiration for First Wives from her love of romance novels, which she credits with helping her escape a challenging childhood. A spin-off from her popular Weekday Brides series, First Wives was born in 2017 with Fool Me Once. Bybee’s emergency room experience infuses her stories with authenticity, grounding the drama in real human emotions. Her goal? To create a sisterhood of women who rise above heartbreak, blending romance with suspenseful twists.
The Heart of First Wives
The series kicks off with Fool Me Once, where divorce attorney Lori Cumberland joins her clients on a luxury cruise, only to tangle with private investigator Reed Barlow in a web of deception and desire. Half Empty follows Trina Petrov, a widow turned heiress, whose Italian getaway sparks romance with country star Wade Thomas—along with dangerous secrets. In Chasing Shadows, Avery Grant, wary of love after a brutal attack, finds her walls crumbling for Liam, while a dark past threatens her safety. The series wraps with Say It Again, a thrilling finale where lone-wolf protector Sasha Budanov uncovers her mysterious past alongside AJ Hofmann, blending spy-like action with steamy romance.
First Wives shines through its themes of empowerment, second chances, and chosen family. Set in glamorous locales like luxury cruises, Italian villas, and German boarding schools, the series pairs contemporary romance with suspense, from murderous plots to hidden identities. Bybee’s witty dialogue and flawed, relatable characters—like Lori’s cynicism or Sasha’s guarded heart—keep readers hooked, while her fast-paced plots deliver twists that elevate the genre beyond typical romance.
Why First Wives Resonates
First Wives has carved a niche in contemporary romance, celebrated for its strong, independent women who defy stereotypes. Fans, including older readers, praise Bybee for crafting heroines who think for themselves and stories that balance swoon-worthy romance with gripping suspense. The series’ focus on friendship and resilience resonates deeply, offering hope to those navigating life’s challenges. Its connection to the Weekday Brides series delights longtime fans, while its standalone appeal draws new readers, cementing Bybee’s status as a romance powerhouse.
- Publication Years: 2017–2019
- Number of Books: 5
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
- Notable Praise: Wall Street Journal bestseller, lauded for suspenseful storytelling
Ready to fall in love with First Wives? Grab Fool Me Once and dive into a world of romance, danger, and unstoppable women!