The Recommended Reading Order
To get the most out of the overarching narrative, the character growth, and the recurring suspense plots, it is highly recommended to read the First Wives series in chronological publication order. The story begins with the legal aftermath of high-profile divorces and develops into a tightly knit saga of sisterhood, protective heroes, and international intrigue. Here is the recommended path:
- Fool Me Once (2017) – Follows divorce attorney Lori Cumberland and private investigator Reed Barlow.
- Half Empty (2018) – Centers on Trina Petrov and country music star Wade Thomas.
- Chasing Shadows (2018) – Focuses on Avery Grant and local contractor Liam Holt.
- Faking Forever (2019) – Follows wedding photographer Shannon Wentworth and Victor Brooks.
- Say It Again (2019) – Explores the origin and romance of protective operative Sasha Budanov and AJ Hofmann.
The Connection to the Weekday Brides Series
While the First Wives series functions beautifully on its own, it is actually a direct spin-off of Catherine Bybee's massive bestselling Weekday Brides series. The Weekday Brides series centers around Alliance, a high-end matchmaking firm that arranges temporary, business-like marriages of convenience for wealthy or high-profile clients.
Lori Cumberland is introduced in the Weekday Brides series as the sharp, no-nonsense divorce attorney who handles the legal side of the Alliance marriages. In the seventh book of that series, Treasured by Thursday, Lori's close friendship with Gabi Masini is a key highlight. The transition to First Wives occurs as Lori shifts her attention toward helping her former clients navigate their lives, emotional healing, and newfound financial independence after their divorces have finalized. Reading the Weekday Brides series first—particularly Treasured by Thursday—gives readers a rich backstory on Lori and the initial setups of the marriages, though it is not strictly required to enjoy the spin-off.
Deep Dive: The First Wives Books
1. Fool Me Once (2017)
The series kicks off with Lori Cumberland. Exhausted by the drama of high-profile divorces, Lori decides to take a luxury cruise with a group of her recently divorced clients to celebrate their new beginnings. However, the vacation takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with Reed Barlow, an undercover private investigator. As secrets unfold and danger looms, Lori finds her guarded heart challenged by Reed in a high-stakes game of deception and attraction.
2. Half Empty (2018)
Trina Petrov, a widow who inherited a massive fortune from her late husband, is trying to move past the grief and guilt of his suicide. Hoping to escape the media spotlight, she retreats to a private Italian villa. There, she meets country music superstar Wade Thomas, who is escaping his own demanding career. Their quiet romance is quickly interrupted by dangerous secrets and a menacing threat that follows Trina from her past life, introducing intense suspense to their blossoming relationship.
3. Chasing Shadows (2018)
Avery Grant survived a brutal physical attack in the events of Half Empty and is determined to reclaim her life. Now running a successful estate sales business and training in self-defense, she has sworn off romance to protect her peace. Enter Liam Holt, a patient local contractor who is hired to help her renovate a home. As Liam slowly chips away at Avery's emotional defenses, a dark figure from Avery's past emerges to threaten her safety, forcing them to confront the danger together.
4. Faking Forever (2019)
Shannon Wentworth, a professional wedding photographer and former First Lady of California, is ready to start a family on her own terms as her biological clock ticks. During a trip to Tulum, Mexico, for a destination wedding, she plans to find a suitable candidate to father her child. The plan goes awry when the bride runs away, leaving the workaholic groom, Victor Brooks, at the altar. Initially accusing Shannon of sabotaging the event, Victor is forced to spend time with her in the tropical paradise, sparking an intense chemistry that follows them back home.
5. Say It Again (2019)
Sasha Budanov has spent the entire series acting as a mysterious, highly capable protector-for-hire, helping the other wives stay safe from various threats. In this final installment, Sasha's own past catches up with her. She returns to Richter, the militaristic boarding school in Germany where she was trained in combat and survival. There, she meets AJ Hofmann, who is investigating the suspicious deaths of Richter alumnae, including his sister. Together, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy rooted in the school's leadership while fighting a powerful attraction to one another.
What to Know Before You Start
Catherine Bybee blends contemporary romance with genuine romantic suspense. Unlike lighter romances, the First Wives books deal with heavier, grittier themes, including recovery from physical assault, suicide, domestic manipulation, and global conspiracies. The heroines are exceptionally independent, financially stable, and fiercely protective of one another. The strong bond of female friendship serves as the emotional anchor of the entire series. Additionally, the settings are highly atmospheric, moving from luxury cruise ships and Mexican beaches to Italian villas and secure boarding schools in Europe.
Reader Advice: Standalones and Continuity
Can these books be read as standalones? Yes. Catherine Bybee ensures that each book features a self-contained romance with a satisfying resolution for the main couple. However, the suspense plots and character friendships build continuously from book to book. Reading them out of order will spoil major plot points, such as the attack on Avery in Book 2 or Sasha's secret background setup. For the best experience, start with Fool Me Once and read straight through to Say It Again to witness the full evolution of the sisterhood.