Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of Catherine Bybee’s Most Likely To series, where small-town charm meets heart-pounding romance and suspense! Set in the fictional River Bend, Oregon, this contemporary romance trilogy follows three high school friends—Melanie, Zoe, and Jo—as they navigate love, personal growth, and the weight of their yearbook superlatives a decade later. With Bybee’s knack for blending steamy romance with gripping suspense, this series has captured hearts worldwide.
Whether you’re a fan of second-chance romances or stories about strong women overcoming their pasts, Most Likely To delivers a delightful mix of humor, heartache, and hope. Ready to fall in love with River Bend? Let’s dive into the series’ origins, stories, and lasting charm!
How Most Likely To Began
Catherine Bybee, a New York Times bestselling author, crafted the Most Likely To series as a love letter to small-town life and the enduring bonds of friendship. Inspired by her own experiences growing up in Washington State, Bybee wanted to explore how high school labels shape adulthood. Published by Montlake Romance, the trilogy kicked off in 2016, building on Bybee’s success with series like Weekday Brides. Her background as a nurse and survivor of personal challenges infuses her stories with raw emotion and authenticity.
The Heart of Most Likely To
The series comprises three books, each spotlighting a different heroine. Doing It Over (2016) follows Melanie Bartlett, voted 'Most Likely to Succeed,' who returns to River Bend as a struggling single mom. Her romance with builder Wyatt Gibson unfolds amid a storm of danger, blending suspense with heartwarming family vibes. Staying For Good (2017) centers on Zoe Brown, dubbed 'Most Likely to Never Leave River Bend.' Now a celebrity chef, Zoe faces her abusive past and rekindles an old flame with Luke Miller, tackling themes of domestic violence with sensitivity.
Making It Right (2017), the trilogy’s finale, stars Jo Ward, the rebellious sheriff voted 'Most Likely to End Up in Jail.' Jo’s quest to solve her father’s mysterious death intertwines with a steamy romance with FBI agent Gill Clausen. The series shines through its River Bend setting—a tight-knit community that feels like a character itself—and themes of resilience, friendship, and second chances. Bybee’s crisp prose and knack for suspense keep readers hooked, while her strong, relatable heroines inspire.
Why Most Likely To Resonates
Most Likely To has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its blend of emotional depth and thrilling twists. Fans praise Bybee’s ability to craft 'real' characters who face flawed, relatable struggles, from abusive pasts to shattered dreams. The series’ focus on female friendship and empowerment resonates strongly, earning it a loyal following and glowing reviews on platforms like Goodreads. Its small-town setting and universal themes of love and redemption make it a timeless escape for romance readers.
- First Book Published: 2016 (Doing It Over)
- Number of Books: 3
- Genre: Contemporary Romance with Suspense
- Setting: River Bend, Oregon
Grab Doing It Over and dive into the Most Likely To series’ world of romance, suspense, and small-town charm! Whether you’re rooting for Melanie, Zoe, or Jo, River Bend is a place you’ll never want to leave.